Greetings,
I pray that this week finds you well and preparing to spend time with your family, friends, and /or loved ones for the new year. This message was somewhat difficult to prepare. I was speaking with A representative from Dallas Theological Seminary regarding God'splan for me. I explained how, over the past few years, I have been battling whether consciously or unconsciously, with God regarding his desire for me to teach or help others. As part of my current study of Two Weeks in the Teachingsof Christ; this scripture struck me. So, I spent a little time in prayer for guidance. I believe God shared with me a few things. Please read the scriptures below and see the comments afterwards.
Book: Luke 2:25-35
Time period: 27 - 31 AD
Place: Jericho, a city East of Jerusalem, near the Jordan river
Author: Dr. Luke (most scholars believe)
Events: Christ is teaching through various cities in preparation for His return to Jerusalem
The Prophecy of Simeon
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lords Christ. 27 So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, 29 “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: 32 a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 So the childs father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. 35 Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”
Matthew Henry Commentary : Luke 2:25- 35
The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Savior, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marveled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affection in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.
According to Bible Study Tools, Simeon, is the second son of Jacob by Leah ( Genesis 29:33 ). He was associated with Levi in the terrible act of vengeance against Hamor and the Shechemites ( Genesis 34:25 Genesis 34:26 ) His father, when dying, pronounced a malediction against him (49:5-7).
sim'-e-on (shim`on; Sumeon; the Hebrew root is from shama`, "to hear" (Genesis 29:33); some modern scholars (Hitzig, W. R. Smith, Stade, etc.) derive it from Arabic sima`, "the offspring of the hyena and female wolf"): In Genesis 29:33; 30:18-21; 35:23, Simeon is given as full brother to Reuben, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun, the son of Leah; and in Genesis 34:25; 49:5 as the brother of Levi and Dinah. He was left as a hostage in Egypt by orders of Joseph (Genesis 42:24; 43:23).
Also according to Nelsons New Testament Survey (NNTS), The visitation to the temple fulfilled two Old Testament requirements. "Every male child not born in the tribe if Levi was required to be redeemed from priestly service (Exodus. 13.2, 12-15), and every woman was to be purified by offering appropriate offerings at the end of her period of ceremonial uncleanness (Lev. 12:6-8).
Additionally, NNTS states that, Simeon's and Anna'sAnnas adoration of Jesus include two important revelations for that moment in history. Jesus was to be light to the Gentiles and a glory to Israel (Isa. 49:6). Those who accepted Christ would be blessed, while those who did not, would be judged greatly. Those who rejected Him, brought grief to Mary, but this was how the world would be judged. In the end Jesus represents the revelation of the Father and brings redemption to all the world.
How many of us understand God's plan? Moreover, how many of us understand the importance of the birth of Christ? In order for God's people to understand the significance and believe in the scriptures being fulfilled, a series of events had to take place. Having Simeon fulfill his role, provided the people of Israel advanced notice that Christ was present and the Son of God was going to change the world. Christ was not only to provide salvation to the Israelites, but to the Gentiles or those who would listen.
Today, the scriptures continue to be fulfilled, our society as a whole has been drastically altered by the mentioning of the name Jesus Christ. Kingdoms have fought battles, nations have been destroyed and people have committed unthinkable atrocities to reject Christ as Lord and Savior. In 2014, we have the media, political correctness, anarchist, social media, media, and entire countries and nations, who believe that those who choose to follow Christ are the bad people. From ISIS, the LGBT movement, Atheist, and the Occupy Movement, the name of Christ is against all that they believe.
As the New Year begins, it will still be unknown to us, when God will return. But, what we do know is that God is coming, whether you want to believe it or not. It is time that we put us aside and put God first. If you know Christ, it's time to share Him with others. This year and forward, we should all join together and suffer for Christ, because of our desire not to reject Him.
Happy New Year & God Bless You and Your Family!!!!!
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