We are now in the season after Epiphany. Epiphany takes place on the thirteenth day after Christmas Day. It is the day celebrating that the gospel was opened to the Gentiles. The story of the wise men following a great light to Bethlehem and finding Jesus give us that great truth in which all of us can be thankful.

People of light. That is who we are.

Light as in 1) weight of an object and as 2) illumination.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.[1]

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.[2]

God will raise up a servant who WILL bring justice through gentleness. He WILL bring truth through grace. He WILL accomplish this for not only Israel but the nations of the coastlands and the entire earth. The people are reminded that they are a covenant people called upon to be a light to the people of darkness. Those who are blind will receive sight, those who are in dark places / prisons will be released and they will be the instruments of transformation by being people of light.

People of light of the mild and gentle servant.

Christ will not deal rigorously with those that come to him, but he will use all gentleness, cherishing the smallest beginnings of grace, comforting, and healing wounded consciences. Quench—That wick of a candle which is almost extinct, he will not quench, but revive and kindle it again.[3]

Fortune may favor the brave but justice favors the gentle…

We are told that we must fight fire with fire. Jesus said, “turn the other cheek, give your coat along with your shirt, the meek will inherit the earth, blessed are those who are persecuted, forgive and you will be forgiven, love your enemy”[4]

Choosing kingdom tools of gentleness, mildness, meekness, forgiveness, patience is choosing eternal outcomes justice, peace, and love.

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[1] Matthew 11:28-30
[2] Matthew 5:14
[3] John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament
[4] Matthew 5 and 6