Epiphany 2022

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Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Devotion:

            Despite what the news channels may say January 6, is not about a riot on Capitol Hill and rehearsing the deeds done on that day one year ago today in 2021. Rather in church history January 6th is a date associated with the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus to Israel as Messiah. This tradition goes so far back scholars cannot even tell us when it was first celebrated. The day has a rich history in church tradition.

            The importance of celebrating this day of Jesus appearance in public to start his ministry cannot be overestimated. Here in Matthew and in the parallel accounts in the other Gospels (Luke 3:21-22, Mark 1:9-11, John 1:29-34) that all picture Jesus going to John the Baptist to be baptized. The heavens open and a voice declares to all who are present that Jesus is God’s beloved son. We are to open our eyes and see that Jesus is the one true Messiah come from God to take on flesh and ultimately carry all our sins on the cross of calvary.

            We should celebrate this as a day of remembering what God has done among us and celebrating the fact of Jesus the Messiah accepted the Father’s call to become like us in the flesh. This Jesus has become the salvation of all mankind for our fathers sake, our sake, and our children sake.

             Even the psalmist looked forward with joy to Jesus' day. Here is Psalm 60:1-3 (ESV)

                        Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

            2           For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

                        but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

            3           And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

 

            Just as Jesus was declared to be Messiah so long ago, we must be ready to declare him to a world that needs a savior. Let us pray that we might be found faithful in that task.

           

Prayer:

            O Most Holy God, give us strength and courage to proclaim your son Jesus as our Messiah. Help us to declare by our words and actions that God has appeared in human flesh and his appearance has made all things new. We patiently await your return, even so Lord come quickly we pray. Amen

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