January 6, 2014

Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

If you Google "what is epiphany," this is the quick answer that comes up: 

noun 1. the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).

So as I read these passages, I am going to keep this in mind. How do we see that Christ known to the Gentiles?

In Isaiah, we see that Jerusalem's light is for all people and nations to see. People from distant lands all around the world will come to worship the Lord.

In the Psalm, verses 10-11 say, 

"The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands
will bring him tribute.
The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba
will bring him gifts.

All kings will bow before him,
and all nations will serve him."

In Ephesians, verse 6 says, "And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus."

In Matthew, we see the visitors from the East bringing their gifts to Jesus.

So God has always intended for all people to worship and know Him. As a Gentile, this is very Good News indeed!

In this season of Epiphany (which goes until Lent), how can we think about this: that Christ was born, not only for the Jewish people, but for non-Jewish people as well.

Prayer:

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile
the world to yourself: We praise and bless you for those
whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the
Gospel to all nations. We thank you that in all parts of the
earth a community of love has been gathered together by
their prayers and labors, and that in every place your servants
call upon your Name; for the kingdom and the power and
the glory are yours for ever. Amen.