Matthew 2:1-6 English Standard Version

The Visit of the Wise Men

¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Most people who read the title for today will not think of this message in the gospel of Matthew. Here is one definition of epiphany found in Google’s primary listing.

Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).

As we approach this Christmas season there is a need for true epiphany, and not what the majority thinks. Epiphany is not merely an awareness, some new thought that is accepted. It matters not what it is if it has nothing to do with Christ.

Epiphany has a thesaurus word, revealed. The world will accept the alternate if it leaves out two key elements of revelation. Source and trust are at the root of revelations. The world is eager and willing to have anything revealed that does not contain Christ or absolute truth.

Let us try to remember that as we enter this season of celebration.

Jeremiah 18:1-12 English Standard Version

The Potter and the Clay

¹ The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” ³ So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. ⁴ And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me: ⁶ “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. ⁷ If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, ⁸ and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. ⁹ And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, ¹⁰ and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. ¹¹ Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’

¹² “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’

We who believe understand. No further comments about His precept are required.

We are not the ones that need to heed the lessons of history.