The Epiphany of our Lord (C) 2019

+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.

Text: Matthew 2:6
Theme: Out of Bethlehem

Dear friends in Christ Jesus,

God will always be shrouded in mystery, but His intentions are not hidden. In the person of His Son, Jesus-the Immanuel- He made crystal clear His plan to redeem the fallen world. Epiphany means showing forth or revelation. It involves making known a reality that had formerly been hidden- a disclosing of a mystery. Today the King of the Jews is revealed as the Lord of the gentiles. The visit of the Magi is more than just a journey of curiosity. The Magi are gentiles. The global significance of the gospel is indicated. Their visit is intertwined with the intrigue and scheming brutality of King Herod, also a gentile. Yet, the Magi come not to destroy, but to worship. They come in faith and they leave a shining example for the faithful to follow.

Dear friends, we too are ‘outsiders’ who have been embraced by the miracle that took place in Bethlehem. We do well to remember that we have no birthright, no claim on God’s grace. All sinners are alienated from the mercy of God. We are like the Magi not in regard to our eminence or regal-ness, but in-so-far-as we are foreigners to the covenant of Abraham. This Jew/Gentile distinction would seem to hold nothing more than historical interest for most 21st Century believers. But the relevant part is the continuing universal intent of the gospel. Christianity is not parochial. It is not a ghetto religion. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of every tribe, nation, and race. None are outside of His purview, and none come to the Father except through Him.

The season of Epiphany will shine light on the divinity of Jesus. In Christ the heart of God is revealed. As always, the Holy Spirit has no small task in keeping our faith focused. The world screams out with alternative paths to illumination and self-fulfillment. Some are overtly secular. Others draw from different elements in the religions of the world and occultic practices. Constructing your own image of spirituality from a diverse range of sources is now in fashion.

But, God won’t be revealed to you through navel-gazing, through quiet moments with nature, through a composition of eclectic convictions, or through the pursuit of altruism. You won’t find God in any of the ideologies or philosophies of the world. You will find elements of truth, of course because the Almighty created everything that exists. His imprint is on everything. You see His reflection in nature. You see His faint image in humanity, as terribly marred and broken as it is. But elements of truth will not save you from the condemnation of sin. Half-truths will not rescue you from the perils of hell. Reflections, images, and indications give you no true knowledge about whether God is truly merciful or a tyrant. In fact, apart from the saving gospel of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, God ends up only being a harsh judge because He permits no sinner entry into the holiness of His presence.

Sometimes a very basic reality check is what we need. Christ is God. We are not God. Yet He keeps gifting us unconditionally. For instance, you woke up today to discover you are still alive. Perhaps you verified it by checking the obituaries in the newspaper. Your name was not there. Your end hasn’t yet come. God continues to bless you with life. Maybe that life isn’t optimal according to your standards. Maybe you’d like better health, better relationships, a better career, or a better income? Maybe you simply wish tomorrow wasn’t Monday? Maybe you’re at the peak of your abilities? Maybe your faculties are quickly slipping away? Maybe (for a few of you in God’s house today) life is just cranking up? Maybe you’ve recently been in a dark place? Maybe you’re walking on cloud nine? You’re still alive so God isn’t through with you!

Each day should be a new epiphany of God’s patience and compassion. The Psalmist says, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”1The Lord has a purpose for you. Noah was made the captain of a ship. David was made the commander of an army. Mary was made the mother of God. Moses was made a prophet under protest. Paul was turned from persecutor to proclaimer. Matthew was turned from a tax collector to a seeker of souls. God is the potter, we are the clay. Moses was 80 when he was sent to free God’s people from Egypt. Noah was 600 years-old when he got on the ark, so don’t think there is nothing left for you to do.

We’re nearly a week into The Year of our Lord 2019. Make your plans. Pursue your goals. Don’t be afraid of failure. Try and try again. Don’t worry about defeat. Maintain honesty. Remain selfless. Cultivate gratefulness. Model integrity. Witness to the truth. Practice peace. And, as the apostle says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”2And if you’ve already suffered more distress in 2019 than you’d have liked to, remember this promise, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. “3 And let this blessing ring in your ears. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”4

Much interesting speculation has been made about the gifts the Magi brought. Suffice it to say the gifts were both regal and purposeful and were not spare or superfluous possessions. That truth, in and of itself, is a good lesson in regard to our own approach to giving. He asks for the firstfruits of our time, treasures, and talents. More than that, He calls us to pay tribute to Him by serving our neighbour. Today Christ is honoured by the Magi with these small tokens, but He is the giver par excellence. He is the Suffering Servant. He came not be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Faith, at its core is a posture of reception. It involves trust that that which the Saviour desires to give is exactly what we need to receive. He bore our sins all the way to the cross. He rose triumphantly on the third day. You are baptized into His kingdom. You eat at His royal table. His word grants you divine pardon.

Many things this side of heaven will remain a mystery. And maybe you’re struggling to comprehend what God is doing in your life. But it’s the epiphany of our Lord and He won’t leave you in the dark in regard to anything that is finally essential for your well-being. A Redeemer has come out of Bethlehem. He journeyed to Calvary. In doing so He established for us the heavenly Jerusalem. We look forward to astonishing revelations of His glory there. Amen.


+ In nomine Jesu +

The Epiphany of Our Lord
6 January 2019
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt

1 Psalm 118:24
2 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
3 Romans 8:18
4 1 Thessalonians 5:23