Week of Epiphany
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:8-10
The word “epiphany” means manifesting. This might cause some confusion for people who have heard the term “manifesting” in popular culture. A common idea today is that you can manifest your desires to be rich or famous or have some particular skill by just thinking about it.
This secular definition of manifesting does not fit the Christian concept of Epiphany because it depends upon us. There are some good effects of positive thinking and goal-setting, but if we start out this new year planning to manifest more money, a great job, or true love, and we go about it by just thinking our way to it, we might be unhappy with the results. Furthermore, if we are blessed with these gifts, we might not recognize they are all from God.
Because we are weak, sinful humans, we can gain great comfort from the true Christian meaning of Epiphany. Paul describes the “power of God who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” We don’t need to depend on our works to be saved, but we can rely on the power of God!
How puny our manifesting looks compared to the revealing of God’s plan, which was conceived before time even began. We don’t have to worry about manifesting our own good works to bring us salvation. The revelation that Jesus is our Savior assures us that He has rescued us from sin and eternal death.
But God beheld my wretched state Before the world’s foundation,
And, mindful of His mercies great, He planned my soul’s salvation.
A father’s heart He turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently:
He gave His dearest Treasure.
The Lutheran Hymnal 387:4