25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:22-38)
What honour was bestowed on these two faithful, elderly persons! They had the joy of seeing the promised and long-awaited Messiah with their own eyes. No one had to point Him out to them. The fullness of the Spirit in them, caused them to recognize the boy for who He really was, i.e. Emmanuel, God with us. What a source of encouragement their recognition of the Messiah must have been for Joseph and Mary.
Fast forward to today for another time of expectancy. Just by keeping abreast of the news and comparing it to Biblical prohecy, we know that the stage is being set for the Lord's return.
Like Simeon and Anna, the mature Christians among us can help the younger ones to recognize the signs of the last days we are living in and spur them on to righteous living. To fulfill this pivotal role adequately, we too need to be just and devout, spending much time in prayer and fasting.
The same Spirit that filled and spoke through them, will fill and speak through us, as we submit to Him.
RE*J*oicita 
No comments:
Post a Comment