New King James Version (NKJV)
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.The Flight into Egypt
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.
It's amazing how God can open doors because of our liberality. We read here the first account of an offering set aside for Jesus...as a result, we see some amazing things happen in both Joseph's family and the Magi.
First of all, giving is an act of worship. When we give, this should be the mental picture...it's as if we are in the very presence of God...we fall down and worship (humility), then we bless our Lord with gifts from our treasures...not spare change, but treasures...this speaks of something saved up; premeditated if you will...something of value...
David told Araunah that he will never give to God whatever costs him nothing... - 2nd Sam. 24: 24
What's amazing about the account is, their giving set in motion the fulfillment of prophecy and the salvation of both parties! I believe because of their liberality, God was able to speak to them in order to avoid Herod! - Prov. 18: 16, 'A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.'
Secondly, what they gave became provision for Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt!!
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
New King James Version (NKJV)
Excel in Giving
8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive[a] the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
So, not only did their gift make a way for them, it put in motion prophetic results and saved the Messiah...
We know that our giving can make a way for us, but could it possibly unlock the doors to prophetic impact? Through your giving, is it possible to intercept the will of God and make a powerful impact on the earth? You'll know for sure when you give!!
