The Season after the Epiphany highlights the Magi’s journey to discover Yeshua, the Messiah. Truly, Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah-King proclaimed by the prophets as the star who would rise and come out of Jacob to be the glory of God’s people Israel and the light of the Gentiles. He is the Root and Descendant of David, the Bright Morning Star of beauty bright who will drive out the world’s darkness and oppression, and rule as King over God’s global kingdom.
In the days of King Herod the Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, having followed the sign of the star in the heavens which announced the birth of the Messiah-King. As they were led by its light and overjoyed at its appearing till they found the young Jesus, so we should seek the Lord in the light of Scripture till we freshly discover him anew, and commit our lives to him.
Grant us wisdom and strength to pursue you, Lord, in the study of your Word, that we may discover you as you truly are, the Messiah-king prophesied of old. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.
“The New Testament begins with the assurance that all history has been moving towards Jesus Christ as its goal and that he is the final and definitive manifestation of God’s presence with his people. Matthew’s genealogy and narrative of the conception and naming of Jesus are introduced with the words ‘a record of the origin of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham’. The genealogy points to the rise and fall of the house of David in the history of Israel and implies the re-establishment of Davidic rule in the person of Jesus. As the son of David, he is the promised messianic ruler, who will rescue and restore Israel (e.g. Is. 11:1–11; Je. 23:5–6). Specifically, he comes to deliver his people ‘from their sins’ (Mt. 1:21). As the son or offspring of Abraham he is the one through whom God’s promise of universal blessing for the nations will be effected (e.g. Gn. 12:3; 17:7; 22:18; cf. Mt. 28:16–20).”
~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. pp. 81-82.
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Behold the Lamb of God, John 1.29-42
Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God
