Stepping In: When Watching Isn’t Enough

Texts: Isaiah 42:1–9 and Matthew 3:13–17

The decorations are put away, the carols have faded, and most of the world is back to “business as usual.” But if you’re paying attention, something about Christmas still lingers. Epiphany is that nudge—a reminder that the story doesn’t end with God with us. Instead, it asks: Now what? How will that presence take shape here and now?

The ancient prophet Isaiah paints a vision of God’s dream for the world:

A servant—delighted in, Spirit-filled, gentle but strong—steps up to heal what’s broken and make things right, especially for those who feel overlooked or worn out. Isaiah isn’t portraying a distant superhero. It’s an invitation: what if God’s dream needs hands, voices, hearts—ours?

Fast-forward to the Jordan River, where Jesus insists on being baptized. Not because he needs to check a religious box, but because he’s showing what it means to truly step in—to join humanity, stand in solidarity, and let God’s voice of love and delight become the foundation for real life. When the heavens open and the Spirit descends, it’s not just about Jesus. It’s a wake-up call for anyone listening: this is what belovedness looks like in action.

Maybe you’ve noticed—it’s easy to be a spectator in matters of faith. We admire goodness from afar, keep spiritual things “out there,” and hope someone else will carry the weight. But Epiphany refuses to let us get away with that. If God’s Spirit shows up at the river, it’s to send us out—not as perfect heroes, but as people willing to risk love, justice, forgiveness, creativity, and reconciliation wherever we go.

What does this actually look like? Sometimes it’s forgiveness in a fractured family, advocacy for a neighbor, building bridges across divides, or simply showing up—open, honest, and willing to be changed. Sometimes it means being gentle with your own bruises and doubts, or daring to hope for something new.

Epiphany is a call to step in—not because we’re special, but because the world is aching for people who believe God’s love is real enough to make a difference. The sacred isn’t meant for the sidelines; it wants to take root in the way we live and love, together.

So as this new year unfolds, maybe the most faithful thing you can do is step off the sidelines, roll up your sleeves, and say yes to the Dream of God—right here, right now.