As we continue looking at Epiphany, I am reminded of that old saying, “Wise men still seek Him.” Last week, we discovered the story of Simeon, an old man, who found Christ in a baby at the Temple. But Simeon had been looking for Him, just as the Magi were. Those wise men saw the star and followed it to the baby, praising Him and giving Him extravagant gifts.
Let’s look at Matthew 3:
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”
John the Baptist, or “The Baptizer,” as he was often referred to, had already had his epiphany moment. But unbeknownst to him, he still had more epiphanies to come. We often think of epiphany as “one and done.” But most of us, have revelation after revelation as we deepen our relationship with God.
And so, Epiphany continues.
As it was for John, he went around telling as many people as he could. He wanted others to be on the lookout for Christ, the Messiah.
Then the day came, when all of John’s preparation showed itself to him. As Matthew 3:13 – 17 tells us;
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Can you imagine standing on the banks, witnessing such an amazing event? And then, hearing God’s voice confirm the divinity of Christ in human form. We probably cannot count the number of epiphany moments that occurred that day.
As we read on in John 1, “The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John admits he did not know Jesus, although he prophesied his coming. But on the day of Jesus’ baptism, John’s speculation became proclamation!
Just like Simeon, hoped to see the salvation of Israel, as did the wise men who faithfully followed the star, John saw for himself as he dunked our Lord into the water. Right then and there, The Word became flesh and He knew His savior!
Epiphany; a revelation of divine nature.
So, I have some questions for you. Are you still looking for Him? Have you had an up close encounter with the Messiah? Have you made Him the Lord of your life?
John was getting us ready to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Yet, even John admits he did not know Him.
Let us pray;
Father God, let us see Jesus for who He is. Forgive us for not even looking for Him. Create in us a heart on fire for You! So that we may tell the world of this great big love You have for us! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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One thought on “Epiphany: week 3”
So powerful! Praise God!