Sad to say, some folks have never heard about God. And some others have heard, yet neglect to worship or to live Godly lives. In this season of “Aha!”–Epiphany–we see the light identifying Jesus as the Christ, and attempt to see where he’s coming from. We who have looked in the manger now are instructed to live changed lives, to come into the behavior of Jesus.
ISAIAH 49:1-7 is the Second Servant Song. The Prophet is encouraging both Babylonian Jews and those yet in the homeland to see how God’s hand is stirring the pot. It’s not enough to be the Chosen People; they (we) are expected to Change the World: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Believers are called beyond their human weakness to show their enduring life in Christ. “The Servant has been prepared by God for nothing less than to bring the glory of God into view.” (Stephanie A. Paulsell, in FEASTING on the WORD, A 1:244)
We don’t know much about Sosthanes, but we do know that Paul includes him in the greeting to the CORINTHIAN Church(es), 1:1-9. This passage has been included because it speaks of God’s enrichment of the Believers there in every spiritual gift. At some distance, we can affirm that this grace was shed onto the Corinthians in order that they might Change their World, and thus ours. Paul in effect is saying, “Don’t be afraid to be identified with Jesus and his teachings: point to the Christ in all your dealings.”
JOHN, the great storyteller, lifts up the importance of John the Baptizer in 1:29-42. He (the Baptizer) not only tells the story of the dove of the Spirit that descended at Jesus’ baptism, but he also points him out to Andrew and the unnamed other. They followed Jesus, and began to Change the World. “Master, where are you staying?” “Come and see.” That’s the dialogue through all the centuries. How far will you go? How far will you stay away?
One of my favorite songs from childhood is this one, and I bet you know it too: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine….let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Aha! The spirit of Epiphany…
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Won’t you join us every Tuesday to be confronted by the scriptures assigned by the Common Lectionary to be read on the upcoming weekend? At horacebrownking.com
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