Happy Epiphany!
The term "Epiphany" in a biblical context refers to the manifestation or revelation of something previously hidden or unknown. While the word "Epiphany" itself may not appear in the Bible, the concept is found in various biblical passages, especially in the New Testament. In Christian tradition, the term "Epiphany" is closely associated with the celebration of the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world, particularly to the Gentiles, as symbolized by the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the infant Jesus.
There are three primary biblical events associated with the Epiphany:
1. The Visit of the Magi (Wise Men): This is the most well-known event connected to the Epiphany. In Matthew 2:1-12, we read about the Magi who came from the East, following a star, to worship the newborn Jesus. Their arrival symbolizes the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the recognition of Jesus as the King of kings.
2. The Baptism of Jesus: In Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22, the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is seen as an epiphanic moment. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased." This event marks the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah to the world.
3. The Wedding at Cana: In John 2:1-11, the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is seen as an epiphany. This miracle reveals Jesus' divine power and glory, as well as His mission to bring joy and abundance to those who believe in Him.
In essence, the biblical definition of Epiphany encompasses the idea of a significant and profound revelation or manifestation of God's presence, glory, and purpose in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of the moment when the identity and mission of Jesus are made known to a wider audience, beyond the confines of His immediate family and followers. Epiphany emphasizes that Jesus came not only for a particular group but for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, and that His message of salvation is meant to be shared with the world.
I’d like to tell you a parable (a story) that encompasses this idea of Epiphany (revelation or manifestation of God's presence, glory, and purpose in the person of Jesus Christ) in our own lives.
Sermon Illustration: "The Unfinished Painting"
In a bustling city, there lived a group of friends who shared a passion for art. Every week, they gathered in a cozy studio to create beautiful paintings of all kinds.
One sunny afternoon, as they sat around a table covered in paintbrushes and canvases, they noticed something intriguing. In the center of the room stood an unfinished painting unlike any they had seen before. It depicted a captivating cityscape, but the canvas was missing some details, and the colors were scattered chaotically.
As they contemplated the painting, a retired art teacher from the neighborhood walked in. She had heard about their curiosity and decided to offer her perspective. With a warm smile, she said, "Dear friends, this painting symbolizes the journey of our lives. Just as it remains incomplete, so do we. But that doesn't mean we're not good enough."
The friends leaned in, eager to hear more. "You see," she continued, "each element of this painting represents a moment in our lives—a challenge, a triumph, or a lesson learned. Some parts are vibrant and vivid, while others are darker and more complex. Some blend seamlessly, while others clash in unexpected ways. But it's the sum of these elements that makes the painting beautiful, just as it's the culmination of our experiences that shapes who we are."
She picked up a paintbrush and held it up for all to see. "This brush, much like us, is not perfect. It has bristles that fray and a handle that's worn. Yet, when it's used to add its touch to the canvas, it becomes an integral part of the whole, contributing to the overall masterpiece."
The friends nodded in agreement and began to work on the painting together. They realized that it wasn't about having all the right strokes or being flawless. It was about embracing the imperfections of the painting and recognizing with time and faithfulness it would be complete. With each stroke, the cityscape on the canvas came into focus, and it was more beautiful than they had ever imagined.
In the end, they understood that life, like the unfinished painting, is a journey of growth, learning, and becoming. None of them were complete, but together, they created something beautiful. They learned that being good enough meant accepting their flaws and realizing they were an essential part of the greater masterpiece of life.
As we gather here today to embark on a new year, I want to take you on a journey that begins with the very dawn of creation, as described in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verses 1-5:
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."
These verses tell a story of creation, but they also hold a profound message about our lives, especially when considered in light of the parable of "The Unfinished Painting."
1. God's Goodness: At the beginning of creation, we witness God's goodness in full display. In the midst of formlessness and emptiness, God speaks into existence the incredible gift of light. This light is not just functional; it is described as "good." It reflects the very character of God, who is the source of all goodness. As we step into this new year, let us remember that every good thing in our lives originates from our Heavenly Father.
2. Not Yet Complete: Just like the unfinished painting in our parable, the world that God created was good but not yet complete. It was a world in progress, a masterpiece in the making. There was light and God pronounced it good, but yet he had not made the Sun, moon or even the stars yet. God’s definition of good is not based on perfection. In the same way, our lives are marked by incompleteness, imperfection, and areas of darkness. We all have our unique struggles, challenges, and uncertainties, yet we are still worth God’s Grace and His Goodness.
In verses 1-3, God declares that the light He created is "good" even before the entire creation process is complete. This highlights the idea that God's goodness is not dependent on the perfection or completion of His work but is inherent in His creative act itself and His faithfulness.
Likewise, in verses 14-18, God creates the sun, moon, and stars to provide light to the earth, and once again, He sees that it is "good." This reinforces the idea that God's evaluation of His creation as "good" is not tied to its completeness but to His intention and purpose for it.
As we apply these principles to our own lives, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that through the sacrifice of Jesus, God's view of our worth and goodness is not contingent on us being perfect or complete. We are his creation, and He continues to work in and through us, even in our imperfections and incompleteness. This understanding encourages us to trust in God's love, grace, and transformative power as we navigate the journey of life.
3. The Unfinished Masterpiece of Life: Much like the art teacher guided her students to see the beauty in the incomplete painting, The Holy Spirit, helps us recognize the beauty in our unfinished lives. Each moment, each experience, and each challenge is a stroke on the canvas of our existence. Some are bright and colorful, while others are darker and more complex. But it is the sum of these moments, much like the pieces of a puzzle or the strokes on a canvas, that makes the masterpiece of our lives.
4. A New Year's Resolution: As we embrace this new year, let us resolve to see our lives as God's ongoing masterpiece. Let us understand that because of Jesus Christ's perfect work on our behalf, and fulfilling all righteousness for us, we can rest in Him despite our imperfections. He is perfect for us. It's through our imperfections and struggles that we can grow, learn, and become the people God created us to be.
In conclusion, my dear friends, let us remember that just as God completed His creation in His time, He is also working on the masterpiece of our lives. Embrace your incompleteness, for it is what makes you unique and valuable. Trust in God's goodness and through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice know that you are indeed good enough. God certainly knows we are not perfect.
Hear the words of King David, “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.” (Psalm 103:8-14)
Brothers and Sisters, I am as certain as I can be that God is not done with us or this church or the United Methodist Church, for we serve a faithful God. And we too like the Apostle Paul can say, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)
So, my dear friends, remember this truth straight out of the Word of God, as you navigate your way through life. Accept Jesus atoning sacrifice and embrace your incompleteness, for it's what makes you unique and valuable. Just like the strokes on the canvas, you are a crucial part of the larger picture, and you are indeed justified through Jesus and are pronounced good enough, to be His hands and feet in this world that so desperately needs Him. And when we meet Jesus, face to face, we will indeed be complete.
In the meantime, when you are weak remember God’s words to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
And may we declare as did Paul, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
May God bless you abundantly in this new year, and may you find joy and peace in the unfolding masterpiece of your life.
Amen.
