The Epiphany of Our Lord
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.
MATTHEW 2:10-11
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The Epiphany of Our Lord
These Magi here teach us the true faith. After they heard the sermon and the word of the prophet, they were not idle or slow to believe—and look at the obstacles and hindrance they faced! First, they made a mistake and came to Jerusalem, the capital, and did not find Him. The star disappeared. . .. Moreover, they were frightened . . .. They underwent a good, strong battle for their faith. . .. The light of nature and the light of grace cannot be friends. Nature wants to perceive and be certain before it believes. Grace believes before it perceives. For this reason, nature does not go further than her own light. Grace joyfully steps out into the darkness, follows the mere word of Scripture, no matter how it appears; whether nature holds it true or false, [grace] clings to the Word.
From the Church Postil, sermon for Epiphany on Matthew 2:1-12 (Luther's Works 76:102-3)
MATTHEW 2:10-11
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The Epiphany of Our Lord
These Magi here teach us the true faith. After they heard the sermon and the word of the prophet, they were not idle or slow to believe—and look at the obstacles and hindrance they faced! First, they made a mistake and came to Jerusalem, the capital, and did not find Him. The star disappeared. . .. Moreover, they were frightened . . .. They underwent a good, strong battle for their faith. . .. The light of nature and the light of grace cannot be friends. Nature wants to perceive and be certain before it believes. Grace believes before it perceives. For this reason, nature does not go further than her own light. Grace joyfully steps out into the darkness, follows the mere word of Scripture, no matter how it appears; whether nature holds it true or false, [grace] clings to the Word.
From the Church Postil, sermon for Epiphany on Matthew 2:1-12 (Luther's Works 76:102-3)
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