An Epiphany Realized

January 7, 2018 An Epiphany Realized Matthew 3:13-17 Synopsis: People don’t always experience an epiphany on January 6th even though it is identified as such on the calendar. The date represents when the gentiles of the world, represented in the Magi, experienced the manifestation of God in the baby Jesus. There have been and continue to be many manifestations but we often fail to experience and “epiphany” because we have not been reconciled to God and man. John the Baptist is a prime example of someone who was not concerned with what other people thought of him. However, John had to reconcile his understanding of baptism when Jesus presented Himself on the banks of Jordan. To be honest, we all have a lot of work to do in order to realize an epiphany. To be honest, God has already done the hard word of reconciliation (Colossians 1:19-22, NLT) now it is up to us. First, we need to “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” mercy and grace, for salvation is of God not of us. The next thing is we need to be reconciled to God and man (Matthew 5:23-24, NLT). Then, we may have an opportunity to experience the epiphany. Text (NIV): Psalm 29:1-2; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 1:19-22, NLT; Matthew 5:23-24, NLT Scripture Reading: Psalm 29:1-2