Epiphany
Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.”
This morning we come celebrating Epiphany
However, as we do so, it is vital that we remember that Epiphany is more than simply a quaint story about wise men or a guiding star.
Instead, Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. As such, it lies at the heart of the Gospel message and at the heart of God’s promise concerning the Messiah.
Therefore, this morning as we celebrate Epiphany, I want us to ask 3 basic questions, 3 questions that I hope will help us grasp something of the importance of the event we celebrate as well as its ongoing significance for us today.
This morning I want to ask:
· What does Epiphany tell us about God
· What does Epiphany tell us about the salvation God has given us in Christ Jesus?
· What does Epiphany tell us about the work God has given His people
I. Epiphany is a celebration of the scope of God’s Lordship
A] All creation and all mankind are created by and belong to God – the celebration of Epiphany then is a celebration of God coming to His creation to redeem it. The scope of Epiphany reflects the scope of God’s lordship
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him,
B] Not only that, notice what Epiphany and Christmas tell us about this world:
· It is a world engaged by angels (Luke 2:9-14)
Hebrews 1:14 Are the angels not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
· It is a world of fulfilled prophecy (that is, it is a world directly governed by and for God’s purpose). Matt 2:3-6/Micah 5:2-5
Matthew 2:5 And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet, (Mica 5:2-5)
· It is a world where God is ever present
Matthew 1:23 and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” (Phi 4:4-5; Psa 46:1)
Simply put: the picture that Epiphany provides of where you live is a very different picture than the one that most people have of this world. It is far more wonderful, purpose laden, and far more enduring than the mechanical materialism that most embrace. Importance: understanding where you live must drastically change both how and why you live.
Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope
Bottom line: the scope of Epiphany reflects and is based upon the scope of God’s Lordship. The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains.
II. The scope of Epiphany reflects the scope of Salvation
A] Notice then, Epiphany is the promise that the salvation God has given in His Son is a salvation that extends to every tribe and every nation. In other words, Epiphany is the God of creation coming to redeem every aspect of His creation.
Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
B] However please note: the scope of salvation is not just extensive (every tribe and nation) but it is also intensive. Think about it: the savior the Magi go to visit has taken on the whole of our human nature.
1) Body and soul
Romans 8:11 He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
2) Society and relationships
John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.“
3) Creation itself
2 Peter 3:13 But according to His promise we are looking for a new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
III. The scope of Epiphany reflects the scope of the believer’s mission. Notice then the believer’s work directly reflects the comprehensive scope of Christ’s Lordship and Salvation
Matthew 28:18 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations,
IV. How Do I Respond
1. I am to receive the gift- Epiphany reminds me that the Savior and the new life that God has given in His Son, He has given to me. Therefore I must receive the gift and ever renew my trust in Him.
Matthew 2:11 And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him;
2. I am to respond with a fundamental and radically new orientation to every aspect of my life.
Matthew 2:12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way.
3. Finally, I am be a light in the world, whose words and whose manner of living make Christ known to those around me.
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world.