

"And oh, what miracle divine, When water reddened into wine! He spoke the word, and forth it flowed In streams that nature ne'er bestowed."
Epiphany, the season of the church year between Christmas and Lent, is a season of revelation. The word Epiphany means "to be made known" or "to come into view." Wise men, who were not from Israel, came seeking the King of the Jews. They were led to Bethlehem where they worshiped the holy Child Jesus, and in their worship, Jesus was revealed as the Lord of all nations. The revelations continued throughout His ministry. Jesus is the King, the One to whom His Father gave authority to carry out His work on earth. Jesus said, "I do nothing on My own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me" (John 8:28).
Jesus did His first miraculous sign at the wedding in Cana. The Lord by whom and for whom all things were made demonstrated His authority over creation. Water obeyed its Creator and "reddened into wine," flowing "in streams that nature ne'er bestowed." As He continued teaching and healing, Jesus showed His authority in other ways. In His second sign, the healing of an official's son, Jesus proved His authority over illness. The King healed a paralyzed man, and with that healing proved His authority to forgive sins. Jesus had authority over demons, who feared Him, recognizing Him as the One in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Jesus revealed His power over death, raising Jairus' daughter, the widow's son, and Lazarus. When the right time came, Jesus would demonstrate His authority even over His own death—and over His life.
At the appointed time, Jesus was nailed to a cross. The King of the Jews once sought by the wise men had that same title fastened to His cross as the crime of which He was accused: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Yet even His redeeming death was carried out in the authority given by His Father. Jesus had said of His life: "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again" (John 10:18). For the sake of our salvation, Jesus laid down His life and, on the first Easter morning, He took up His life again. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the risen Savior and the miraculous revelations continue in our lives today. During this season of Epiphany and throughout the year, our King is revealed to us again and again in the Word. He is present in His body and blood in His holy Supper. In this season of revelation and always, we rejoice to live within the loving authority of the King of kings.
WE PRAY: Jesus, King and Savior, keep me safe in Your care. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "The Star Proclaims the King Is Here," which is number 399 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you do to remember Advent and anticipate Lent during the Epiphany season?
2. Can you give other miracle examples (besides those mentioned above) where Jesus displayed His power over creation?
3. How does God make His presence known to us today?
Today's Bible Readings: Job 28-29 Matthew 13:1-30
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