Sermon for 1/2/22: The Epiphany of Our Lord (observed)

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Treasure
Isaiah 60:1-6

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

 

In his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, St. Paul wrote: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” He makes clear the identity of those jars of clay in today’s Epistle. “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. Of this Gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power.”

These jars of clay, men formed from the dust of the earth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, drew the Magi to Bethlehem. How would they have known where to go had they not heard and believed God’s Word? And it’s one thing to hear the Word of God; it’s still another to follow a star to a faraway land to see whether that Word is true. And now, that same Holy Scripture, proclaimed by today’s jars of clay, continues to draw men to Jesus Christ.

Many Americans consider themselves Christians. They own a Bible or two. The read published devotional materials. They buy and read best-selling Christian books. But when it comes to practicing the faith with fellow Christians, some seldom, if ever, make the journey to the Church to honor the presence of Jesus in the proclaimed Word. Joining a Church carries with it too many expectations. After all, the Church wants your money, your time, and your consistent presence. It is better to be in church only occasionally; that way you keep people guessing. And you have God’s Word anyway. Isn’t that all you need?

No, that is not enough. It is not enough to merely know about the Gospel. It must be believed and grasped with the heart—that is, by faith—or Christ will not be received. Reading the Bible at home and praying daily is a good and salutary thing. Still, it is neither good nor right to be alone in practicing the Christian faith. There is much more of the gifts of Christ to be found in His House. Isn’t that why you invite people to come to Church? As Isaiah the prophet wrote in today’s Old Testament reading: “And nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising...Then you shall see and be radiant…”

Epiphany is the mission of the Church. Gentiles in all generations come to the Light of the world as He makes Himself known to all the world. He did so as a 12 year old boy in the Temple, confounding the doctors of the Law. He did so at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. He did so on the mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John. And then He went from the mountaintop to the plain, walking to Jerusalem as the King of kings, to do His kingly duty on the cross and then come out of the tomb. Mission accomplished. And we then see Him ascend into heaven, only to return, when the time is right, to judge the living and the dead.

You know that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. But how many in our world today consider the Light of the world dying on a cross as nothing more than a myth, and not a very good one at that? Why would God’s Son do such a foolish thing as to lay down His life for the life of the world? The answer to that question is the mystery to which St. Paul refers in the Epistle. Why does God want to save you, a poor, sinful being? He desires your salvation because He created you, He loves you, and He wants you for His fellowship now in Word and Sacrament, and into eternity. But that He would do this in the way He did remains a mystery; it is an answer that is believed. God draws whom He will, when He will. The only answer we can give is “Amen.” The gift is received.

And what a gift we have received in that bright Morning Star, Jesus Christ. As we just sang: “Lord, when You look on us in love, at once there falls from God above a ray of purest pleasure. Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood, refresh our souls with heav’nly food. You are our dearest Treasure! Let Your mercy warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For You teach us God’s own love through You has reached us.” Just as the search of the Magi ended when they were led to the Child, your search for love outside yourselves finds its end in Jesus Christ. He loves you all the way to the cross, through the tomb, and into eternity. He is, indeed, your dearest Treasure. In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

The peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus always.  Amen.