1st Sunday After the Epiphany

In His Word today, God is reminding us of the fulfillment of His plan that brought His own Son Jesus Christ to be the Redeemer, the Savior, and the ransom for us sinners.

In St. Peter’s first sermon to the Gentiles, he says, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.“ God’s message sent to us His people is to declare the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all. Christ in us through power of the Holy Spirit wants us to continue doing good, to be vessels of healing, joy, love, and hope to others.

Wouldn’t it be delightful to do a small act of service for God and see the heavens open up and hear God’s voice of approval? Heaven was opened because John was faithful. John did what God called him to do (Matthew 3:13-17). God has called us to do his work and to be his people. He has called some of us to preach, to share the gospel, or to usher people, or to take good care of the orphans. Some are called to be encouragers, or to keep the building clean. Some may be called to serve elders, and some of us to sing in the choir, dance, or play an instrument. Some of us are called to lead fund-raising campaigns, and he has called others to teach the little ones or lead the youth. There is one constant in all of these: God has called us TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE CALLING TO WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CALLED – whether that calling be great or small; whether we feel like it or not; whether we feel worthy or not. If we are faithful to the calling to which we have been called, great things will happen! Let us listen to God’s voice and say “Yes Lord” whether we are called to do something great or small. Like John, let God’s plan through our lives be fulfilled and profitable. Let us be faithful and prepare ourselves to see the heavens opened and hear God’s voice saying “Well done my child!” (Matthew 3:13-17)