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Kingdom Epiphany

The Lord Most High is . . . the great King over all the earth.

—  Psalm 47:2

We usually think of kings as men who have political and military power. But King Jesus has a different kind of power. He has the power to take certain things that have gone terribly wrong and put them right. So instead of launching wars, Jesus heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, and casts out demons.

One day a Canaanite woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon comes to Jesus. She asks him for help because a demon has hold of her daughter. But Jesus says nothing. When his disciples urge him to send her away, he says that he was sent to tend the flock of Israel. But the woman spars with him, insisting that God’s goodness extends beyond Israel. And of course she is right. Jesus commends her for her great faith, and her daughter is healed immediately.

Today is Epiphany, the celebration of Jesus’ being made known to the peoples of the world. In the story of the Canaanite woman, we can see Jesus celebrating this good news too. Though he was sent to “the lost sheep of Israel,” he would soon be sending his followers to all nations (Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8). And he had already begun showing them that this was God’s intention (Matthew 8:5-13, 28-34).

This may not be an epiphany for you, especially if you already know that God loves the whole world (John 3:16). Even so, it reminds us not to think small when it comes to God’s kingdom. 

Jesus, thank you for bringing the good news to all nations, and help us to follow your lead, in faith. Amen.

 

TOP 3 THINGS TO KNOW FOR THIS WEEK OF JANUARY 5:

 

1. My hope and prayers for this new year are with you! As long as God leads, we are "open for business" and still a church. We worship, we serve the community and love one another. Please continue to come to worship, to give time, talent, and treasure to the Lord! If any questions or concerns please contact me or anyone on Council. 

 

2. Congregational meeting, January 25th after service, to do the business of the church, and to vote on whether or not to enter into "Holy Closure". 

 

3. Clothes Closet resumes this Saturday, 10-12 under new management! We thank Pat Tumey, retiring, and welcome Jeannie Hermerding to lead us going forward.

 

Pastor Doug Givan