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.
       

1/6/13- Epiphany

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, of incense, and of myrrh. (Mt. 2:10,11)

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Rev. 22:16)

Thoughts: The star of the magi pointed to the bright and morning star.  Stars were symbols of angels (Job 38:7- "the morning stars sang together and the angels shouted for joy").  Today is Epiphany- the day of the church year that we believe that Christ, the Light of the world, revealed himself.  Three public biblical events celebrate it: Jesus' coming to the Temple (to meet Simeon and Anna); the wise men coming to Him; Jesus coming to be baptized and the very public voice proclaiming "this is my son, listen to him."  Christ did not hide his light under a bushel, but let His light shine.  We should seek to reflect His light this day.

Prayer: You shine in the darkness, O Lord, like the morning star.  Thank you for coming and shining upon us.

Adoration of the Magi Lange Jan 1652 (Bob Jones Museum, Greenville, SC)