December 30, 2015
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:34-35
34Then 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Questions for Reflection:
It was very common for the Jewish people to offer blessings. There would be prayers throughout their day as they went through everyday and seemingly ordinary tasks. When they woke up in the morning, they would pray: “I give thanks before You, Living and Eternal King, that You have returned within me my soul with compassion; [how] abundant is Your faithfulness!” Before they ate bread, they would pray: “Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.” There were even prayers for when something unexpected but good happened: “Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.” How do these prayers differ in tone from the blessing and prophecy that Simeon gives to Mary?
What does Simeon say that this child (Jesus) is destined to cause? What will happen as a result of his ministry? What does Simeon say will happen to Mary? How do you think this made Mary feel? What do you think Joseph was thinking as he listened on? How would you have responded if you were in their place?
Simeon, who had been waiting to see the Messiah, is filled by the Spirit and pronounces a prophecy over the child. The prophecy does not sound like something we would hear at our dedication services at One Life. In fact, if an older man came and snatched a child and started saying these things, our security team would swoop into action. Yet, what Simeon said was absolutely true. How did Jesus’ life and ministry fulfill the prophecy of Simeon? In some ways, the prophecy continues to be fulfilled today. Individuals and organizations still choose to speak out against Him yet in doing so their thoughts and hearts are revealed. Spend time today in prayer asking that you would be in tune to hear what the Spirit is saying around you. Ask God to make you sensitive to His Word and His Spirit.