Read 1 Chronicles 17
Read Isaiah 18
A blessed Epiphany to you! Today (Jan. 6) is Epiphany in the Church year. This day and this Epiphany season is one in which we rejoice that Jesus is the Light to lighten the Gentiles (as Simeon sang). Jesus came for Israel, but also for all people. In Epiphany we see the nations being brought to Jesus as Jesus performs miracles, teaches the light of God's truth, and even peels back a layer of humanity to let his Divine Nature shine through as the season culminates in the Transfiguration.
So, on this day when the Church celebrates the magi coming to visit the Christ-child (Matthew 2), we think about how God relates not just to Israel, but to the nations.
It is interesting that in our reading schedule we happen to be in the midst of God's oracles against the nations as recorded by Isaiah. The point of this section of the book is that all those who have been enemies of Israel (either through warring or through their seductive idolatry) will face the wrath of God.
Truly we have a just God who will not share his glory with idols and will not tolerate his chosen people to be abused. This is why God refers to himself as a "jealous" God (Exodus 20:5). Some might want to judge God and say, "Well, what kind of a God is that?" Well, its the God you've got.
He is a just God. He has commandments. He wants us to walk in his ways. And really, this was not a problem until Adam cast humanity into sin. Before it was a joy and privilege. Now for us sinners, it is a burden - even an impossibility.
That's why we need Christ. For all the curses we hear in Isaiah against the enemies of God, we remember that Jesus came to make enemies into his people. And so it is that even while the nation of Israel didn't flock to the house where the holy family was staying, the magi saw the star, remembered the prophecy from Numbers 24:17, and came to Jerusalem seeking the King of Kings, were directed on to Bethlehem and knelt in adoration before the Savior, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 60:1-6.
And whether we are Jew or Gentile, it is through Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, that we receive grace and mercy from God. Certainly we and all nations deserve God's wrath and judgment. But through the cross of Christ, his grace and mercy is poured out upon us. What a privilege and a joy it is to be Chosen of God, to be the recipients of mercy only because of God's goodness. And what a privilege and a joy it is now to walk in God's ways, keep his commands, and give him all the glory and praise that is due the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier!
Ask Yourself:
How seriously do I take God's commands and strive to walk in his ways?
Where do I go with the guilt?
How can I help the nations to see the light of Christ today? What greater goal can I reach for in helping the nations to see the light of Christ?
Pray:
Lord, when You look on us in love,
At once there falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure.
Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood
Refresh our souls with heav'nly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let Your mercy
Warm and cheer us!
O draw near us!
For you teach us
God's own love through You has reached us.
(LSB 395:3)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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