Scripture
12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Reflection
Epiphany is also referred to as the “Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles”. God’s love for the Gentile wise men is shown as He warns them in a dream to deliver them out of the wicked hands of Herod. We see that right from the beginning of Jesus’ time on Earth there is an invitation of salvation to the nations. The wise men can be seen as the first fruits of the future gathering of the nations, when all tongues, tribes and nations gather to give praise and exalt Jesus as King. It is here that God reveals His love and salvation to the nations and not just the Jews.
As we wrap up this week of Epiphany, through the story of the wise men we see that God continually does these things for the ones He loves: 1) He will give us something to guide us, in the wise men’s case it was a star. 2) He will confirm in our hearts by His word and other people that our pursuit of Him was not in vain. And 3) God, himself, will speak to us and keep us from harm.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
“I thank you, Lord, for Your beautiful, multicultural, intergenerational family. Revive and sanctify us once again we pray. Forgive our many sins and make us holy. Set our hearts on fire again with the good news of Your gospel.”
