EPIPHANY – JESUS APPEARS!

Sunday, December 2, 2018

EPIPHANY – JESUS APPEARS!

2 Tim 1:8-10

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

           The word translated “appearing” in verse 10 is the Greek word epiphaneia which means “a manifestation.” It indicates that something previously existing, but hidden, has now been revealed or perceived. Perhaps you have heard the word epiphany used when a student finally understands his lesson. He finally grasps the truth being taught.

           Jesus, the man, was born to the Virgin Mary thousands of years ago but He didn’t begin existing at that time. He is part of the Godhead and existed before time. John, in the Revelation, saw Him as the “Ancient of Days.” He was with God in the creative process when God said “let us make man in our image.”

           Advent is a time of waiting but it is waiting with expectation. The Old Testament closes with a promise that Elijah would come. He would be the advanceman for Messiah. Messiah, therefore, was pre-existent – existing prior to His epiphany or his appearing. When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus into the Temple for circumcision Simeon was waiting.

Luke 2:25-30

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

           Simeon knew Messiah would come. He had been given – deep in his heart – the confidence that he would live to see his Messiah. Now he takes the babe in his arms and gives praise to God because he had had a personal epiphany. His expectations and earnest longings had been realized. That which was once hidden had appeared.

           As we begin the month of December, I wish for each of you to have your own private epiphany. May God grant you a new and deeper understanding of Himself. May Jesus shine in your soul. May your deep longing be realized and fulfilled this Christmas season.

Dear Lord, we long to know you in a deeper and more intimate way. Like Simeon, reveal yourself to us today. AMEN