Post by Woody Williams on May 16, 2007 6:09:43 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Luke 2:25-35
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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. It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's
Messiah. Guided 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said
about him. Then 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 so that the inner
thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own
soul too."
Devotional
----------
Simeon was faithful to speak the prophetic word God gave to him. It
was a bittersweet prophecy - Jesus is the Messiah, but will suffer
great division and rejection. Prophecy, truth-telling, often has this
effect. God speaks that prophetic word into the world and the church,
often making both uncomfortable. Truth is like that.
Prayer
---------------
Help me live and speak your truth in the world, gracious God. Amen
----------
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. It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's
Messiah. Guided 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said
about him. Then 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 so that the inner
thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own
soul too."
Devotional
----------
Simeon was faithful to speak the prophetic word God gave to him. It
was a bittersweet prophecy - Jesus is the Messiah, but will suffer
great division and rejection. Prophecy, truth-telling, often has this
effect. God speaks that prophetic word into the world and the church,
often making both uncomfortable. Truth is like that.
Prayer
---------------
Help me live and speak your truth in the world, gracious God. Amen