Today’s devotion is based on Week 1 of “Resolve”: Set Proper Priorities! (WATCH HERE)
Happy Epiphany Day!
“The twelfth day of Christmas” has arrived! Maybe your decorations are put away, the holiday guests have left, and your vacation travels are complete. Christmas is in the rear view mirror and the New Year is ahead of you.
But let’s not move on too fast or too far.
January 6th has been observed in the Church for centuries celebrating the coming of the wise men to visit Jesus in Bethlehem.
Why is this significant?
“Epiphany” means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It is the day we mark the manifestation of Jesus to the world by the visit of the Magi, non Jews to see Jesus. The Magi were the first “world” visitors to see Jesus. Jesus came not just as the Savior for the bloodline of Abraham, but for all people.
The Magi were very possibly spiritual descendants of Daniel, and other faithful believers that were exiled in Babylon in the 500s BC. Their faithfulness made an impact on the leaders of Babylon and no doubt others in the court of the king. The impact lasted for generations and the prophecies that pointed to a “king of the Jews” were studied, remembered and in this case acted on.
Here’s how Matthew’s Gospel records it (Matthew 2:1-2):
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
The orchestration of creation, world events and personal faith is a miraculous working of God. We see in all the Christmas accounts and now also in Matthew 2 the reality of God’s hand to bring his Son Jesus to the world. He wasn’t going to be deterred by an egocentric, maniac of a King Herod or the barrier of culture, country or mileage to ensure those he chose in eternity heard the message of Jesus, a Savior is born.
God put the pieces together for the wise men and moved them to act on the faith they were given and the knowledge they had. They didn’t know everything, but what they knew they acted on.
Perhaps this Epiphany you can reflect on two questions:
How has God orchestrated your life to connect you with him? As we begin a new year, it is beneficial to look back and see how God has guided events in your life to connect you to him. God’s heart is for all to “come and worship” Jesus. His heart is to make it evident and obvious that he loves you and wants to be with you.
What question is God prompting you to ask to seek and find more about him and his love for you? The wise men knew the King had been born, they didn’t know where and asked. What are the curiosities of your faith that you would like to pursue in 2025? Write down the questions and pursue answers through the Word, your pastor, a Christian friend or reliable online source. God uses resources around us to bring clarity to the faith questions we have and ask!
Apply: Use the two questions above and spend time today reflecting on them.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for revealing that you are a Savior for all people, including me. May the pursuit of the wise men to worship you inspire me to seek and worship you every day of 2025! AMEN.