God with Us

The Epiphany theme of God-with-us in the chaos of the world is present throughout the texts this week. In Isaiah, the postexilic Judean community returns to its home and cries out to a faithful God for full restoration of Jerusalem. Psalm 36 looks to God’s steadfast love that surrounds all that is, even in the face of oppression. The apostle Paul writes to a community whose chaos is internal, reminding them of God’s abundant love expressed in a beautiful diversity. This diversity ought to inspire celebration rather than division. In John’s Gospel, we see a miracle that points to the inbreaking of God’s joyful kingdom on earth.

• Read Isaiah 62:1-5. Where are you experiencing the call not to remain silent in the face of injustice?
• Read Psalm 36:5-10. How are you experiencing God’s steadfast love in your life?
• Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. What spiritual gifts have you identified in yourself? How might you celebrate the gifts of others around you?
• Read John 2:1-11. How can you bear witness to God’s excessive love?