The Daily Lectionary and Prayers for Friday, January 6, 2023 — Epiphany of the Lord

 

The Daily Bible Readings and Prayers
Friday, January 6, 2023 — Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
with commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

The Light Shines

In the beginning was the word, the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Introduction & Theme

In the Northern Hemisphere, we are experiencing the darkness of midwinter. Days are short and nights long. But there are other forms of darkness—poverty, war, injustice, oppression, hatred, prejudice, fear—forms that also affect us just as they did the people of biblical times. But in these passages, light breaks through the darkness: a prophet calls us to arise and see the light of liberation and peace, reconciliation and joy; the psalmist prays for a ruler who will light the way of his people with righteousness, prosperity, and an end to oppression and injustice. The writer of Ephesians lights the way through mystery, with a message of the good news of Christ Jesus; and the Magi follow the light of a star, finding more than they were looking for to return home transformed.

Opening Prayer
(Matthew 2)

God of light and love, shine upon our lives, as we welcome the mystery of your love. Guide us toward your true gift, for our hearts long to encounter with the holy. Quiet our expectations, that we might be surprised by the unexpected. Open our eyes, that we might find you in unanticipated places. Shine your light upon us, that we might see you clearly, and recognize your face in all people. Amen.

Call to Confession
(Psalm 72, Matthew 2)

The presents have been opened. The cookies have been eaten. The celebrations have left us exhausted. Yet your Spirit comes again, guiding us toward true joy. In all of our busy celebrations, remind us that you desire righteousness and justice for a world in need of generous hearts. May the light of Jesus Christ, the world’s true light, live among us and turn our lives from oppressive power toward liberation and hope. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Psalm 72)

Like rain that falls upon the grass, like showers that water the earth, may righteousness and peace abound in our lives and in our world.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Where will we set our hope today, in this life, on this side of eternity? That's what Peter is addressing in verse 13. We must take control of where our thoughts go, and what our minds dwell on. If we do not fully engage in intentional hope-setting, we will be easily distracted by the false hope of satisfaction the world continually offers us.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
From the Prophetic Books of Major Prophets
Isaiah 60:1-6
Nations Come to the Light

1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
     and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
     and thick darkness is over the peoples,
  but the Lord rises upon you
     and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
     and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you:
     All assemble and come to you;
  your sons come from afar,
     and your daughters are carried on the hip.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
     your heart will throb and swell with joy;
  the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
     to you the riches of the nations will come.
6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
     young camels of Midian and Ephah.
  And all from Sheba will come,
     bearing gold and incense
     and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.

Outline:
The glorious light of God’s Kingdom (vv. 1-3). Great treasures come to Israel in the Kingdom (vv. 4-6).

Commentary:
As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favor of God towards us, our light is come. And if God's glory is seen upon us to our honor, we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return its praise. We meet with nothing in the history of the Jews which can be deemed a fulfilment of the prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates principally to future events. It predicts the purity and enlargement of the church.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Deus, judicium

Leader: Give the King your justice, O God,
People: and your righteousness to the King’s son;

Leader: That he may rule your people righteously
People: and the poor with justice.

Leader: That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people,
People: and the little hills bring righteousness.

Leader: He shall defend the needy among the people;
People: he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

Leader: He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure,
People: from one generation to another.

Leader: He shall come down like rain upon the mown field,
People: like showers that water the earth.

Leader: In his time shall the righteous flourish;
People: there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

Leader: The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute,
People: and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

Leader: All kings shall bow down before him,
People: and all the nations do him service.

Leader: For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress,
People: and the oppressed who has no helper.

Leader: He shall have pity on the lowly and poor;
People: he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

Leader: He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence,
People: and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

Heavenly Father, we praise You for the many blessings You bestow upon us. We honor You for the faithfulness You show to Your children from generation to generation. We pray that You will cleanse us from all unrighteousness so we can live and work with pure hearts. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so we can tell others of Your saving grace and mighty works, even as we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

From the Epistles
Ephesians 3:1-12
The Gospel’s Promise for All

3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Outline:
Preface to the revelation of the mystery (vv. 1-5). The mystery described (vv. 6-7). Paul’s presentation of the mystery (vv. 8-9). The purpose of the mystery (vv. 10-12).

Commentary:
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and care, while thus suffering for him. All the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The mystery, is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ, as unto the prophets of the New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the office, so he qualified him for it.

Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we are not enriched with them it is our own fault. The first creation, when God made all things out of nothing, and the new creation, whereby sinners are made new creatures by converting grace, are of God by Jesus Christ. His riches are as unsearchable and as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the wisdom of God in the redemption of his church, the ignorance of self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be foolishness.

Today’s Gospel Reading
Matthew 2:1-12
Christ Revealed to the Nations

 

2:1 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.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
  for out of you will come a ruler
     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Outline:
The wise men arrive in Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). Herod is troubled at the news brought by the wise men (v. 3). Herod is instructed regarding the Messiah’s coming by the chief priests and scribes (vv. 4-6). True to character, Herod attempts to use wise men to find the child that he may kill Him (vv. 7-8). The wise men present gifts to Jesus and leave without informing Herod (vv. 9-12).

Commentary:
Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him. We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shineth in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit. And those in whose hearts the day-star is risen, to give them any thing of the knowledge of Christ, make it their business to worship him. Though Herod was very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not himself likely to live till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began to be troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not the spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom. Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of many truths, and yet may hate them, because they interfere with his ambition, or sinful indulgences. Such a belief will make him uneasy, and the more resolved to oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be foolish enough to hope for success therein.

What joy these wise men felt upon this sight of the star, none know so well as those who, after a long and melancholy night of temptation and desertion, under the power of a spirit of bondage, at length receive the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God. We may well think what a disappointment it was to them, when they found a cottage was his palace, and his own poor mother the only attendant he had. However, these wise men did not think themselves baffled; but having found the King they sought, they presented their gifts to him. The humble inquirer after Christ will not be stumbled at finding him and his disciples in obscure cottages, after having in vain sought them in palaces and populous cities. Is a soul busy, seeking after Christ? Would it worship him, and does it say, Alas! I am a foolish and poor creature, and have nothing to offer? Nothing! Hast thou not a heart, though unworthy of him, dark, hard, and foul? Give it to him as it is, and be willing that he use and dispose of it as it pleases him; he will take it, and will make it better, and thou shalt never repent having given it to him. He shall frame it to his own likeness, and will give thee himself, and be thine for ever. The gifts the wise men presented were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Providence sent these as a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition. Thus our heavenly Father, who knows what his children need, uses some as stewards to supply the wants of others, and can provide for them, even from the ends of the earth.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

 

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction

(Matthew 2)

As you follow the star on your journey, don’t look for the holy in places of power and prestige. Instead, pay attention to the ordinary, the quiet places. There, may you be overcome with joy, and share your gifts with creation.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.
The Daily Lectionary and Prayers for Friday, January 6, 2023
Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
with commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

"Epiphany of Grace" The Gospel Message for Friday, January 6, 2023 — Epiphany of the Lord

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
   who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 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, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:1-12, NIV)

All mighty God, we thank you for your Word and the way that you in it revealed to us who you are and what you’ve done for us in Christ. Now, as we open that Word, we pray that your Spirit may be present, that all thoughts of worry or distraction may be removed and that the Spirit will allow us to hear your voice. And so, oh God, fill us with your Spirit through the reading and proclamation of your Word this day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

“Epiphany of Grace”

I. INTRODUCTION

Epiphany (/ɪˈpɪfəni/ i-PIF-ə-nee). The Word Epiphany is from Koine Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epipháneia, meaning manifestation or appearance. It is derived from the verb φαίνειν, phainein, meaning “to appear or reveal.” In classical Greek, it was used of the appearance of dawn, of an enemy in war, but especially of a manifestation of a deity to a worshiper (a theophany). In the Septuagint, the word is used of a manifestation of the God of Israel (2 Maccabees 15:27). In the New Testament, the Word is used in 2 Timothy 1:10 to refer either to the birth of Christ or to his appearance after his resurrection, and five times to refer to his Second Coming.

“What’s an epiphany?” you might ask. An epiphany is one of those moments in life when something profound is revealed to you. For example, when Albert Einstein conceived the mathematical equation E=mc², that was, to him, an epiphany. Something new was revealed. The epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ was when Christ was revealed to man.

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Christian holiday celebrating this revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest Christian holidays.

In our text today, we read about the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s the story of how God revealed himself to the world. In our sermon today, we read how God reveals his grace In His Word and In Our Lives.

II. GOD’S GRACE REVEALED IN HIS WORD

This is a very familiar Bible story. In fact, it’s one that has been embellished quite a bit. For example, we all know there were three wise men, right? Wrong. The Bible says nothing about the number of magi, just the kinds of gifts they brought. We also know that they were kings from the Orient, right? Wrong, again. All we know is that these men came from somewhere in the east, probably from Babylon or Persia (modern-day Iraq & Iran). We need to be careful not to say more than the Bible does. After all, this is God’s epiphany, his revelation. Let’s allow him to speak. What God does tell us in his Word is that “magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” The word “magi” is an interesting word. The Word literally means “wise man.” The term is also used to describe people who were astrologers, magicians, sorcerers, pagan priests, and involved with the occult.

These don’t sound like very “wise” men when you think about it. They were involved in things that were not pleasing to God. So, the question is this: how did these foreigners know to look for the Savior? The answer: they had God’s Word. Remember, the term “magi” was a word used in ancient Babylon. We know that the Jews had long before been taken to Babylon in exile because of their idolatry against the Lord. Among those Jews was Daniel. We hear about Daniel in the Old Testament. What we know is that Daniel worked with other magi, or wise men, in Babylon and often helped them out. He was their friend. A faithful believer like Daniel would have definitely told his new friends in Babylon about the coming Savior. And so, years passed, but Daniel’s message remained. These particular magi had heard the good news concerning the King of the Jews.

Now, it’s obvious the Magi didn’t have all the facts. Their faith and understanding were weak and limited, to say the least. In fact, where do we find them looking for answers? They turn to the stars. Some would say they were turning to their pagan beliefs concerning astrology. That may be true to a point. Yet, they looked to the sky because they were convinced a sign was there. The Magi believed the truth was in the stars.

Notice how God used a star to pull the Magi to reveal his glory. The Lord was patient and gracious with these gentiles. He gave them a sign they could follow for the moment. In his own way, God used a special star to let these wise men know that a special king had been born. After all, this is the Lord of the universe in control of this situation. All the stars, planets, and galaxies serve his purpose. God decreed that a star be set in the sky for these Magi at creation. And in doing so, the Lord fulfilled his own promises spoken by Isaiah: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

God led the Magi on to see his great epiphany. He led them straight to Jerusalem, the capital city. They went from street to street inquiring about the birth of the new king. What must have puzzled the Magi is that everyone in Jerusalem seemed to be in the dark concerning Jesus’ birth. King Herod eventually catches the news, and then some answers are found. Finally, the chief priests and scribes are summoned. They give a quick answer to the Magi’s question: “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is was the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”

So, how did the Magi find Christ? The star didn’t provide all the answers. God’s Word did. These Magi left their homes seeking truth in a star. They were basing their travels on a bit of information that had been passed down to them. Theirs was a simple faith, established and solidified by God’s Word. God was patient with these men. He blessed them. His Word provided them with all the answers they needed.

The Lord graciously led the Magi to see the truth. He led them to his holy Word. And then he led them to see that Word fulfilled. God longs to lead us to his Word every day so that we can grow in our faith and understanding. The Word of God is an epiphany in itself. It reveals God’s grace to us. For the prophets still speak today. They reveal God’s grace, telling us that all our sins were laid on Jesus; our punishment fell on him; because of Christ, we are forgiven children of God. In fact, these are the very words that Jesus praises, saying: “These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” (John 5:39)

God has revealed his grace to us so that we might know him. What an epiphany this biblical account affords to our lives! Just stop and consider the blessing God’s revealed Word is in our lives! Without God’s Word, there is no guidance or comfort. And that’s a revelation we all can perceive. Have we ever tried to be Christians without regular reading of and reflection on the Bible? Have we ever tried to discern what difficult decisions we should make without praying for God’s help and guidance first? Do we ever try to carry our burdens around, handle things ourselves, attempting to solve our own problems and those of the world rather than giving them to God? Sure we do. The result is a miserable epiphany. We see that life is miserable and frustrating. Without the Bible, we soon see that our trust is misplaced, our hope misguided, and all knowledge is misunderstood. God has given us his Word, however. He has revealed himself to us. We have a Savior! In him, we find answers to questions, guidance through life, and hope for eternity.

III. GOD’S GRACE REVEALED IN OUR LIVES

It isn’t some vague notion or sign that reveals this truth to us. God’s Word reveals his grace to us. One of two things happens when God reveals his grace in our lives. We either act like Herod, or we respond like the Magi. Herod was preoccupied with his own little world. He was minding his own business, doing his own thing. He wasn’t seeking the Messiah as the wise men were. It doesn’t appear that he’s given any thought to the Messiah until the Magi appear in the city.

Once it’s brought to his attention, Herod becomes enraged. This Messiah would be born the king of the Jews. The long-awaited Messiah, who was supposed to make the country strong again, who was supposed to rid their land of these oppressive foreigners, the one everyone in Judea had been waiting for—promised by God—was born to take Herod’s place. He didn’t like that too much. In fact, he was quite troubled about it. Suddenly, he didn’t like God’s plan. How wise is Herod? The Messiah was going to be imposing on his life. The Messiah was going to take away his kingdom. This revelation had an impact on Herod. He refused to listen. Instead, he tried to suppress the message. He went on a mad killing spree ordering the death of all baby boys two years old and younger.

Just like King Herod, God’s grace impacts our lives. His grace forces us to deal with our own selfishness. His grace insists we address our own greedy ambitions. God’s grace does battle with our sinful hearts. He forces us to see that our “little kingdoms”. Deep down, we all want to be kings of our own lives. We all want the praise and adulation. We want royalty. And so we long to surround ourselves with the stuff we declare “royal necessities.” From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, we crave royalty. Everything has to be in the right place in our lives. We need the right labels and the right name brands in order to feel accepted in our kingdoms. After all, this is our kingdom. And no one dared take it from us! Well, what happens when Christ comes and dares to be king in our lives? How do we react when he wants to be royalty? Our first reaction is to be like King Herod. We’re thrown into turmoil. We go on a rampage. “Another king? How can this be?” we ask. And so our bottom lips stick out as we pout, kick, and scream, “I’m King, and no one can take my throne away!”

Still, God keeps coming to us. Again and again, he reveals his grace. He shows us how he can dare be king in our lives. For he replaces everything he takes away. He takes a loved one; he replaces that person. He takes wealth; he replaces it. He takes health; he replaces it. He replaces all he takes with himself and all that his kingdom has to offer – hope, life, and salvation. After all, the Lord doesn’t want your DVD player, your computer, or your clothes. He wants your heart. He wants to shine first in your life. And once he has your heart, everything else pales in comparison.

IV. CONCLUSION

That was the Magi’s epiphany. True, they weren’t biblical scholars, but they believed in the King of kings. God had revealed his grace to them. God led them to realize that they had wealth beyond their wildest dreams. It wasn’t the gold, frankincense, or the myrrh. No. Their greatest treasure was Jesus Christ, the light of the world. That treasure moved them to share their other treasures in worship to the Lord.

God’s grace leads us to be more like the Magi. Unlike Herod, the Magi truly wanted to worship the Messiah King. God has revealed his grace in our lives so that we have that same desire. That means we can worship God with sincerity. The gifts we bring to our Lord come from our hearts. After all, Jesus is the king. We give of ourselves because we know God first gave himself for us. Whether it’s helping provide refreshments on Sunday morning or simply sweeping the sidewalk, whether it’s getting involved with a committee and helping organize an area of ministry or praying for someone else—it’s worship to our King.

And so we open up the treasures of our lives and offer them in humble service to our Savior. What can you give to your Savior? Do you have time? Then spend time on your Savior. Offer an hour to the Lord as you visit someone in the hospital or an elderly shut-in. Have you been blessed with monetary wealth? Give glory to your King; present him with a gift to improve his house of worship. Have you been blessed with a voice that loves to sing? Present that gift to the Lord and use it in the choir. Have you been given two hands? Fold them in prayer for someone in need. Do you have two good feet? Use them to carry you to the neighbor’s house and invite them to church. Do you have one heart? Offer it to your Savior as a throne. It’s been said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” God has proven that to us. He gave himself to us because he loves us. God’s love is revealed in his Word. And his love is reflected in our lives as we worship him with our lives. Now, that’s an epiphany.

Let us pray: God of all heaven and earth, from the breath of your love, came the creation of the world. We are amazed at the vast beauty of the night sky and at the intimate nature of the love you have for us, your children. Be our daily star, guiding our lives to search for kingdom love. May we always follow your light of truth in all that we do, forever trusting, hoping, and believing in your Word. Lift our eyes tonight to see your eternal life shining brightly, leading us home. Amen.

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The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
God’s grace is revealed in his Word. His Word leads us to worship him with our lives.

The Morning Prayer for Friday, January 6, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Friday, January 6, 2023

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.”
Matthew 2:1–2, NIV

Lord our God, we thank you that you have come to this earth. Let a light shine out again and again among those who hear your gospel, also among those with sincere hearts, whether or not they are Christians. May they come to know your light and receive salvation in Jesus Christ. May your light shine for us and may you appear to us ever more clearly. Remember all who call to you. Remember your people. May your people gather and become a light in your name, serving you wherever they go. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Friday, January 6, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, January 6, 2022

1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Where will we set our hope today, in this life, on this side of eternity? That's what Peter is addressing in verse 13. We must take control of where our thoughts go, and what our minds dwell on. If we do not fully engage in intentional hope-setting, we will be easily distracted by the false hope of satisfaction the world continually offers us.

Read all of Isaiah Chapter 1

Listen to Isaiah Chapter 1

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.