We’re starting the week in the Word with Ephesians 3:4-6, a reading to prepare us for the celebration of Epiphany.
[4] When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. [6] This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Last week we marveled at the birth of Jesus. This week we’ll wonder at the mystery of Jesus’ Epiphany.
“Epiphany” means to “reveal,” “shine forth,” or “manifest.” It especially refers to Jesus being revealed to the Gentiles. The Magi visiting Jesus is the most popular Scripture passage for Epiphany.
I chose Ephesians 3:4-6 because this passage shows us Jesus’ Epiphany was a major event. The Apostle Paul states in verse five that generation after generation were in the dark concerning the Christ. This especially applied to Gentiles.
Even though there were Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah coming for the Gentiles, most of the world remained in the dark. Maybe this was due in part of the Jewish people spending centuries isolating themselves within their religion, their language, their culture. Maybe the fact the Jewish nation was almost unnoticeable compared to Gentile empires also contributed to the darkness.
Praise be to God that the light did shine in the darkness for all people. Jesus was sent equally for Jew and Gentile. In Christ the Gentiles became “fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”
I’m certain almost everyone reading this devotion has Gentile heritage. It is humbling to realize Epiphany is especially for us. It is a reminder of the depth of the grace we have received in Christ.
(Monday Meditations are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 