A Light to the Nations

Today is the day on the calendar that Christians throughout the centuries have celebrated “Epiphany.” It was a day set aside to celebrate the coming of the wise men to bring gifts to Jesus as a baby. Why honor these magi? Because they were the first Gentiles to honor Jesus.

The word “epiphany” means “to make known or reveal.” And the appearance of the magi was an “epiphany” and “revealed” that Jesus had come to be the Savior of people in all nations. This meant that salvation was for everyone, regardless of their race or background!

Epiphany is a day to focus on reaching the world with the Gospel. Through Isaiah, God prophesied that Jesus would be “a light of the nations” so that “salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Today, the light still shines, but millions and millions still need to be saved. In fact, it is estimated that more than two billion people have not once heard the name of Jesus! For a minute, just think about the people you know who need salvation: friends and family members, politicians and actors, co-workers and recording artists, kings and generals, people in your neighborhood and around the world. Jesus died that all these people might not perish but have everlasting life.

Ask God to show you what you can do to help reach the world with the Gospel. Pray for the Lost! Pray for people that He brings to your mind, and into your life. Tell them about Jesus. And give to support the work of evangelism. People everywhere need to hear the Good News.