Ideal Givers

 Matthew alone of the four gospel writers mentions the visit of the Wise Men. They came a great distance in search of him who was born King of the Jews. They knew him on sight, fell down and worshiped him, and opened their treasures and offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. They give while they are in his presence and while they are in the spirit of worship.

 

Their purpose was threefold, to see the King, to worship him and to offer gifts to him. The sight of the Christ, infant as he was, called forth¹ the whole program. There was no other appeal. Their giving was a 4 part of their confession² of faith. This is the King whom they came to accept and honor. They are not mistaken nor in doubt. They behold³ and worship and give.

 

When men open their hearts they also open their treasures. “No man becomes honest” says Frederick W. Robertson, “till he gets face to face with God.” Delusion⁴ vanishes then and there and opportunity appears. Then men prize their privilege. Come to Christ, worship him and go without giving? When men come into the presence of Christ as did the Wise Men they fail not nor falter⁵ but act in a way that meets expectations.

1 forth   

adv.向前；向外，往外

参考例句：

• The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
• He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。

2 confession   

n.自白，供认，承认

参考例句：

• Her confession was simply tantamount to a casual explanation.她的自白简直等于一篇即席说明。
• The police used torture to extort a confession from him.警察对他用刑逼供。

3 behold   

v.看，注视，看到

参考例句：

• The industry of these little ants is wonderful to behold.这些小蚂蚁辛勤劳动的样子看上去真令人惊叹。
• The sunrise at the seaside was quite a sight to behold.海滨日出真是个奇景。

4 delusion   

n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑

参考例句：

• He is under the delusion that he is Napoleon.他患了妄想症，认为自己是拿破仑。
• I was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.我误认为他要娶我。

5 falter   

vi.(嗓音)颤抖，结巴地说；犹豫；蹒跚

参考例句：

• His voice began to falter.他的声音开始发颤。
• As he neared the house his steps faltered.当他走近房子时，脚步迟疑了起来。