Luke 2:22-40
When the time came for
Mary’s purification offering at the Temple, as required by the laws of Moses
after the birth of a child, his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to
the Lord; for in these laws God had said, “If a woman’s first child is a boy,
he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” At that time Jesus’ parents also offered
their sacrifice for purification—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young
pigeons” was the legal requirement. That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem
resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the
Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah to come soon. For the Holy
Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God’s
anointed King. The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day;
and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in
obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising
God. “Lord,” he said, “now I can die content! For I have seen him as you
promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is
the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your
people Israel!” Joseph and Mary just stood there, marveling at what was being
said about Jesus. Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, “A sword shall
pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this
to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the
deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” Anna, a prophetess, was
also there in the Temple that day. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the
Jewish tribe of Asher, and was very old, for she had been a widow for
eighty-four years following seven years of marriage. She never left the Temple but
stayed there night and day, worshiping God by praying and often fasting. She
came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began
thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming
of the Savior that the Messiah had finally arrived. When Jesus’ parents had
fulfilled all the requirements of the Law of God, they returned home to
Nazareth in Galilee. There the child became a strong, robust lad, and was known
for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessings on him.
Food for
thought!
Joseph and Mary, offered the sacrifice of the poor: “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” was the legal requirement. – Lev. 12:1-8. Lessons are in view here! Absence of money is no hindrance to spiritual service. They had nothing, but they were still faithful. It means that the ability of God to meet our physical needs is not hindered by our lack. You do not have to possess a bunch for the Lord to bless you. You just have to be willing to use what you do have. Availability is far more important that ability. God will use anything or anyone He can to accomplish His will. Never allow your lack to keep you out of church!
When we go to church, our services are not usually that eventful. Yet, when we gather, the same Jesus of the Scriptures meets with his people, Matt. 18:20, and blesses us with His presence. We need to understand that church attendance and the things we do in the House of God are not just ritual and routine. They are life –changing, life-strengthening, and good for our families. Jesus had the right kind of family life, let’s do the same for our families and ourselves. Be prepared when you come to church, you never know what God has in store for you.
Joseph and Mary, offered the sacrifice of the poor: “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” was the legal requirement. – Lev. 12:1-8. Lessons are in view here! Absence of money is no hindrance to spiritual service. They had nothing, but they were still faithful. It means that the ability of God to meet our physical needs is not hindered by our lack. You do not have to possess a bunch for the Lord to bless you. You just have to be willing to use what you do have. Availability is far more important that ability. God will use anything or anyone He can to accomplish His will. Never allow your lack to keep you out of church!
When we go to church, our services are not usually that eventful. Yet, when we gather, the same Jesus of the Scriptures meets with his people, Matt. 18:20, and blesses us with His presence. We need to understand that church attendance and the things we do in the House of God are not just ritual and routine. They are life –changing, life-strengthening, and good for our families. Jesus had the right kind of family life, let’s do the same for our families and ourselves. Be prepared when you come to church, you never know what God has in store for you.
Another thing we must know, God’s incredible love for us does not eliminate the pain, suffering, and heartache that we might go through; but, His Promises assure us that He is with us, and He is using it all for good (Romans 8:28). In the gospel reading Simeon told Mary, "A sword shall pierce your soul." Through it all, we learn to trust that no matter how devastating the suffering might be…God is with us. And if we trust and obey Him, He will strengthen us and fill us with hope in the midst of the suffering. If the Father didn't spare Jesus and Mary, He will not spare us as well.
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