Epiphany 1

Isaiah 43: 1-7; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

We all experience great loss in life and, eventually, even the loss of our own lives. This is consistent with man's existence after the fall, when he was deprived of the benefits of living in covenant relationship with God in Eden.

Yet, in the moments immediately after the fall, God was already working to restore His people to the covenant He made with them. The descent of the Spirit in this Sunday's readings from Acts and Luke is the sign of that restoration.

How do we face the setbacks, disappointments, and failures in our lives? We should not be surprised by them, for these are all the ill effects of the fall, the working out of the curse. But if we apply to Christ for relief, He will surely grant it. That is why He came. It was for you and me that He was praying after His baptism. And, if we are in Him, then the words, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased," are spoken over us too.

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