4 January 2021 – Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)
Scripture
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Reflection
Epiphany is the part of the Christmas calendar where we remember when the Magi, or in layman’s terms three wise men, followed the star from distant lands to Bethlehem to meet the new born Jesus. In this passage, the prophet Isaiah prophesied over this exact moment around 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus. One can only imagine the faith and joy that welled up in Matthew’s heart as he pens this glorious occasion. Matthew, himself a Jew, had to have been well versed in the Torah and the Book of Isaiah. And so he must have been filled with awe and wonder as he began to record a prophecy come true from one of the most storied prophets in Israel’s history. This recording of history can be an encouragement to us today as well. As surely as the Lord was faithful then He is just as faithful now. We can be sure that all the unfinished promises that He has made will indeed happen. One can only hope that we are blessed enough to witness and record one come to pass too.
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
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Try asking, “What would it look like for Your kingdom to come to my building” and listen to what God might be saying.