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.
The light of the Lord guided the Magi to the place of the Messiah, and his light leads his disciples still today. As the star led them to the Christ-child, where they offered their costly gifts to him, so let us come afresh to him and commit our lives to shine, to bear witness of his love and grace to all who see us.
May the mind of Christ shine through us, through our good works, that others may see him through us, and discover the power of his life and light where they live and work. 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
