Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25-38, NRSV)
Have you ever felt like you had something to say but were afraid to say it?
Were you afraid because of how you thought people would hear what you had to say? Or maybe because of how they would judge you by what you said?
Simeon had the words to speak of a servant being allowed to now pass away from this life to the continuation with God, and announce the coming savior whose life “is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed”, and he also announced to His parents “and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” What if he had never spoken these words?
We all have a direct line to the Father of all creation and prophecy has not stopped just because Jesus has “fulfilled” God’s plan… Jesus is still fulfilling God’s plan through you, so it is not finished yet. Part of it was finished when He died for all creation, but we still have to go out into all the world and tell everyone of the great love that God has for them. We must go and boldly speak! It is the only way all will hear and know the love that God has for them.
So don’t worry about how you will be judged when you know that God has given you a word to speak. That word will bear fruit if it truly comes from God and the people who hear it will see Jesus… They may not give you the reaction you are looking for, but that is for God to work out. You are to go and speak His truth boldly, knowing that He has given you the words to speak and the life to go nd share the love He has given you!
aSacredRebel 