Feb. 14, 2015: Luke 2:22-40

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Luke 2:22-40 

22 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 ²³(as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), ²⁴and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

25 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. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷Guided 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, ²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ²⁹ ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹   which 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 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴Then 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 ³⁵so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’36 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 for seven years after her marriage, ³⁷then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸At 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.

39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. 

Key Verses:  vv. 25-32

Reflection: 

Rarely are we able to comprehend the reach of Jesus.  Even as a young boy, he was already shaking things up.  That was just part of his nature- just read the gospels.  He rarely left people in a comfortable state of mind.  As I read about Jesus he either was challenging peoples belief or healing people leaving them in a complete state of awe.  I think God has a clear understanding of humanity whereby, we need to be uncomfortable to change and God knows we need to change and grow every day.  Our text from Luke this morning involves a complete stranger, what has received- through the Holy Spirit- a clear message that he will see Jesus.  I know some people, of whom I greatly respect and aspire to be more like, who live out their days with the expectation that they will see Jesus every day.  Therefore, they look for him every day.  Simeon was looking for Jesus and, in his looking. he found him.  I love his reaction, he grabbed Jesus and held him tight.  His words about Jesus indeed rang true to the end.  When I find Jesus, wherever I might be, I want to react in the same way.  No fear, just awe and embrace.  May you do the same today.

Reflection Questions:  Where have you encountered Jesus in your life?  How would you approach each day differently if you were expecting to see Jesus?

Reflection Questions:

Morning: What might be different in your life if you accepted the truth that you bear the marks of the Holy Spirit within you- just like Simeon did? 

Noon:  Have you seen him yet?

Evening:  How might you continue to looks for God in the days and weeks to come?

Prayer:  Redeemer and Teacher, Savior and Creator, we seek your desire for our life today.  Clarify our decisions for the day and grant us the courage to follow through with those decisions.  Wipe away our sins and grant a fullness of hope that overcomes all our guilt.  I give thanks for your hope in me.  Remind me that you will be with me every step today.  In my coming and going, you will be there.  Thank you for another day and another chance to live for you.  Amen.