Today is Epiphany, the revelation of God in Jesus to the Gentiles. Even more, Paul shows that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for the whole world. Christ-trusting Gentiles and Hebrews are one in “true Israel,” the Body of Christ. This day marks the fulfillment of the promises of God’s light (of knowledge of Himself and of our need of Him and His provision in Christ) shining in the dark places. Oh, how wonderful is Paul’s announcement to the Ephesians:
“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:1-6 ESV).
Sing, O Gentile lands! Through Jesus our Lord you are engrafted into the new redeemed race of humanity, on our way to a new heaven and a new earth.
“Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light, and usher in the morning” (Johan von Rist, 1607-1667
