When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 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. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:22-40, NRSV)
As a new parent, or even on the third child, if someone came up to us and took our child from us, and we did not know them, I have to admit I would probably be like, “What do you think you are doing, give me my child back…”
And then to be told that this child is destined for the falling and rising of many in my nation and a sword will pierce my soul too, then I would really freak out!
But Mary and Joseph seem to take Simeon and Anna in stride. I mean after being visited by angels to announce Jesus’ coming, Simeon and Anna were just another proof to them that God was upholding His promises.
Christ had come and according to God the promises would be fulfilled, and Mary and Joseph get to be a wonderful part of the in breaking of the Kingdom of God.
Would you be as ready? Because you are a part of the in breaking of the Kingdom of God!
Allow Him to shine through your life!
aSacredRebel 