When The Word Becomes Flesh, We Have Incarnation

Introduction

Epiphany has to do with the manifestation and presentation of Christ.

Already had the birth, it’s not about the revealing of Jesus, we have a book for that.

To the Magi, at the Temple, the Baptism.

I want to wrap up those two words “manifestation” and “presentation” into the word “incarnation” and see where it takes us.

Incarnation = in the flesh.

John 1:1–4 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Touch on creation, the spoken word, speaking takes breath, breath means spirit, breath and spirit mean life, changed reality.

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

When the word becomes flesh, we have incarnation.

Jesus is the incarnation of God’s work and word. And so are we.

Jesus in Nazareth

Interesting where and why Jesus stops reading. To them it would be like hearing “Mary had a little lamb, it’s fleece was white as snow, and everywhere that Mary went,”

Fulfilled - perform or embody. Didn’t come to destroy/abolish the law, but to fulfill, perform, embody. Incarnation.

Why did He stop where He stopped? Because he hadn’t yet incarnated what was in the following verses in Isaiah 61. That’s part of your homework.

Nehemiah

The Law, Genesis through Deuteronomy.

The Law = The Path. A look into the heart and mind of God.

Not a spontaneous event, planned. Built a platform, took some work and preparation.Look at the effect. Incarnation.

My great awakening in college, sounding like what I was studying.

One must train the habit of Faith [by making] sure that . . . some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. That is why daily prayers and religious reading and churchgoing are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed. - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

When you get into the Word of God, the Word of God gets into you and changes your reality, just like in creation. Incarnation.

The Body

1 Corinthians 12. Could there be a more obvious illustration of Incarnation?

The Spirituals; God’s toolbox, not Santa’s bag of presents.

John Egg, the left elbow.

What is the purpose of our being the incarnation? Same as Jesus; deliver the gospel.

Roman road.

When that Word combines with God’s Spirit inside a person, there is breath, there is life, there is more Incarnation.

How Do We Do This?

Individually and together.

Daily Office, some kind of daily habit, essential. more than that, find out how you are wired to connect with God. Ask Edward+ for some resources, Jess and I have some.