Epiphany

Today is Epiphany, a Christian holy day that commemorates Christ revealed to the Gentiles. It's also the twelfth day of Christmas and is celebrated as the day the Magi visited Jesus in Bethlehem. The Wise Men brought gifts fit for a king.

Gold is precious across all nations and cultures. It is fit for royalty and said to the Christ child, "You will be a King." Is He your King? Does He reign in your heart or do you?

Frankincense is a milky sap tapped from the Boswellia tree and is known for its calming, restorative, and meditative properties. Ancient people burned frankincense and believed it carried their prayers to Heaven. This gift shows Christ's role as a priest. Is He your priest? Do you pray to Him? Does He calm your anxious heart? I have learned I can trust Him with anything that concerns me. He gives me strength, wisdom and courage to fulfill His plan for my life.

Myrrh is the resin produced by a small, tough, scraggly tree that grows in semi-desert regions along the Red Sea. It is known as a wound healer because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most popular use is as an embalming ointment. After Jesus died on the cross, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea anointed Jesus' body with myrrh. This is the gift that signifies Jesus as our Savior. Is He your Savior? Do you believe He died for the forgiveness of your sins so you could have life everlasting with Him? He lives in Heaven where sin cannot be present. The wages of sin are death, but Jesus came so we wouldn't have to die but live with Him for eternity.

The wise men lavished gold, frankincense and myrrh on King Jesus long before He became a man. What gift will you give to Him? He gave His life for you.

Thank  you, O Lord, for the gift of your love in Jesus. I don't have expensive gifts, but I give you myself. I love you and worship you. Teach me your ways and lead me on your paths. Amen.

The New Jerusalem

Have you dreamed what Heaven or the New Jerusalem would be like? God gives many clues in Revelation 21. Check this out:

• The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven prepared as a bride for her husband on their wedding day.
• The walls will be of jasper (that means diamonds).
• Each of the twelve gates will be a single pearl.
• The foundations of the walls will be of precious jewels--jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst.
• The streets will be of pure gold.
• There will be no evil, shame, or deceit.
• There will be no tears, pain or suffering.
• There will be no sun, moon or stars because the glory of God will give it light.
• There will be no temple because the Lord God and the Lamb will be our temple.
• Jesus, the Lamb, will be it's lamp.
• The nations will walk by it's light.
• The City of God will be as long as it is wide as it is high--1400 miles cubed (as far as from San Francisco to Chicago).

I believe Jesus is coming soon. He told the apostles before He returned to the Father that He would prepare a place for them (and all who believe), so where He goes they will be able to go. Our loving Father doesn't want any to perish but for all to come.

Things in the world are changing rapidly--the weather, politics, nations against nations. No one knows the hour or the day when Jesus will come again--only the Father. As sure as the waters flooded the world in Noah's time, that day is coming. Will you be ready?

Here are some great resources for you to consider:
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Heaven is Real by Todd Burpo
Zion's Hope

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of everyone to their need for you. Comfort the broken hearted and rescue the suffering. Help our unbelief and lead us to trust You today and forever. Amen.