December 29, 2015
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21-33
21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22When 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” ), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Questions for Reflection:
As we approach the beginning of a new year, many people are drafting their New Year’s resolutions. Individuals will clean out pantries, stock their refrigerators with broccoli and buy gym memberships. Others will make goals about reading, writing, being patient with their children or breaking a bad habit. Do you have plans for New Year’s resolutions this year? Or do you plan to take Calvin’s approach to resolutions?
This passage gives us clear examples of individuals who were very intentional in how they were living their lives. In verses 21-24, what do Joseph and Mary do? Why do you think they were so concerned with fulfilling the requirements of the law? How would growing up in a home with individuals who respected the law so much have possibly impacted Jesus?
Along with Mary and Joseph, we’re also introduced in this passage to Simeon. What do we know about Simeon from this passage? God has revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. So he waited…patiently. Is there a work of God that you have patiently been waiting on in your life? Have you been praying for someone to turn back to God? Have you been asking God for something and you’re still waiting? Darrell Bock writes, “Saints in touch with God’s heart often await expectantly the completion of God’s promises.”
Simeon’s patience demonstrated in his character can be an encouragement to you but please note: Simeon was living his life with intentionality and purpose while waiting for God to act. What intentional acts can you take this week as you wait for God to act? What elements of your character can you ask Him to work on while you wait for His promises to be fulfilled in your life?