1-6-16 Epiphany

9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

12At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted^g by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1)

Thoughts: Epiphany is about the Lord manifesting Himself in Jesus. John the Baptist gave Him the perfect setting of repentance and cleaning up.  Jesus began to fully show Himself at His baptism by John.  God clearly marked Him with a voice saying that He was His Son and loved.  In His baptism, Jesus was blessed for setting us an example of humility (before John) and obedience (setting us an example).   These two things: love for God and His people shown in humility and example would drive the ministry of Jesus.
     The Spirit would humble Him more by allowing Him to be in a lonely place facing temptation and danger.  Yet Jesus was not afraid, nor was He alone.  In our wildernesses- our problems and temptations we may feel forsaken by God and alone- but truth is we are never alone.  God always sees us and attends us in unseen but important ways.
      Jesus again set a bold example in coming out with the Good News.  The Good News is that God has come- the time had come- the King had come.  And the kingdom was getting closer.  In the presence of God's acting and of the King who had come we are all called to repent and believe.
      Today this is still our task and calling: repent and believe.  Or quit disobeying and doubting.  Epiphany is simply a historical reminder.  We are reminded God shows Himself to each of us- and we dare not take him lightly.  It is time for us to get serious about God.  Look at things in your life that draw you away from God and give those things and ways up.  Stop the skepticism.  Start believing. 

Prayer: Lord, you have shown yourself.  You show yourself to me in so many ways.  Help me to repent and believe in response to your presence in my life.
       

2-23-15- Jesus Example of Service

29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door, 34and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Thoughts: This passage seems like an agenda- Jesus went here and there and did this and that.  But there is a theme of service here- meant for us to find.  Jesus served God in the synagogue. Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law and her response was to serve him- waiting on him.
     After sunset- when Jesus had already had a long day, he healed the sick and demon possessed.  The whole town gathered around.
     Before sunrise Jesus went out to pray to gather his spiritual strength.  He could have slept in.  He had a great goal and purpose.  Jesus' goal of serving the Father meant serving others. 

Prayer: Help me, O Lord to serve others as you served.  

Peter's Mother-in-law's house Capernaum