Among the wondrous events surrounding the birth of Christ is the amazing incident described in Luke 2:21 and following. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus, just one day shy of six weeks old, into the temple of Jerusalem to offer the sin and burnt offerings required after the birth of a child. Suddenly an old man took the baby in his arms, blessed God, and began to make astounding prophecies. This message looks at Simeon: 'just, devout,' and 'waiting for the consolation of Israel,' ready to depart this world, with the Holy Spirit upon him. Then it looks at Simeon's prophecy: Jesus was the Lord's 'salvation, prepared before the face of all peoples,' A light to lighten the Gentiles,' and 'the glory of Your people Israel.' He said Jesus was destined for the 'fall and rising of many in Israel,' and 'for a sign which shall be spoken against,' that 'the thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.' And Simeon said to Mary, evidently anticipating her presence at the cross over 30 years later, 'a sword will pierce your own heart, also.' Among other lessons from this passage, we see that the godly Jews, before the writing of the New Testament, were saved the same way we are saved, by faith in the promised Messiah. Judging from the reaction of the congregation, God's people seemed to be particularly blessed by this sermon. May God use it in your heart to His glory. |
