A Promise Fulfilled

OPENING PRAYER:

Creator God, illumine my life by the inviting, guiding, judging, redeeming light of your holy Word, I pray.

READ: Luke 2:22-35

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[a]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[b]

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[c] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Footnotes

[a] Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12

[b[ Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8

[c} Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss

Luke 2:22-35

REFLECT:

‘For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God’ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The more patient we are when waiting for God to work in our lives, the greater the joy will be. We have witnessed Zechariah’s joy in fulfillment, now comes Simeon. He has been told by God that he will see the Messiah before he dies (v 26). He must have surely had his doubts, but he doesn’t give up. He is always open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as Mary was.

Mary and Joseph are in the temple because of the framework of tradition (v 22). Simeon is there because he is moved by the Spirit (v 27). The two come together very well.

Simeon recognizes Jesus as soon as he sees him. And he takes action, immediately thanking God that his promise has come true (v 29). He can die a happy man.

If our lives are steeped in prayer and Bible study, we will be that much closer to instinctively doing God’s will. We need to keep alert, and not be afraid to tell others what God tells us. Simeon had hard words for Mary to understand, but he didn’t hold back (v 34). She would have God’s strength to bear what was ahead.

APPLY:

Is there something you are especially asking God for? Spend time asking him what you need to do to help bring it to fruition.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Gracious Father, you are my Rock. When all around me is crumbling, I stand confidently and trustfully on you.

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