Aloha Dearest Family,
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter two, God tells us about a wonderful man that
will be the focus of today’s sharing. His name was Simeon.
As the chapter begins, we learn that 8 days after Jesus’
birth, Joseph and Mary went to the temple in Jerusalem to name and circumcise
the child in keeping with the Law of Moses.
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child,
his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived
in the womb.” Luke 2:21)
While they were there, a man named Simeon comes in to view the child. We don’t
know much about him, but what God tells us is wondrous.
“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the
same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the holy
spirit was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit that he
should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the
Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do
for him after the custom of the law.” (Verses 25-27)
God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he
had seen the Lord’s Messiah. We don’t know how old Simeon was or how long ago
God had given him this promise, but by reading the record, we get the idea that
Simeon had been waiting a long time.
“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now let
thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have
seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A
light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Verses
28-32)
Simeon had finally seen the savior of the world that would not only be the
glory of Israel but would also be a light to the other nations as well. Joseph
and Mary were amazed at the words Simeon spoke to them.
“And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of
him.”
Then Simon turns and speaks to Mary in particular.
“And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child
is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which
shall be spoken against; (v 34)
He tells Mary the future of this child and that because of
him, many in Israel would rise or fall. What Simeon says next perplexed me for
a long time.
(Yea, a sword shall pierce
through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
( v 35)
Why would a sword piercing Mary’s soul be the revealing of
many hearts? I had not read anything regarding this in other scriptures. I
didn’t understand what this meant. It wasn’t until I looked at other
translations that I discovered something. In several translations, the
two phrases in verse 35 are reversed. Therefore verses 34 and 35 should read:
“…This child is destined to
cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed…”
God revealed to Simeon, who told Mary, the effect this
child would have on Israel. Now you would think that Jesus' birth would bring freedom
and peace to people. But Jesus himself said:
“
Do not assume that I have come
to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her
mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be
the members of his own household.” (Matthew 10: 34-36)
Jesus Christ, God's own son, the savior of the world, bringing a sword that
would divide families? How would he do this?
It must be understood that it wasn’t the work that he
accomplished for the Father in dying on the cross that would cause division. It
would be the response to Christ that would bring a sword to divide.
Jesus Christ is the fulcrum that all humanity is balanced upon. Eternal salvation
itself hinges on the belief or unbelief as Jesus being the savior. He is the ONLY WAY to
God. The belief in this one concept,
would divide families like a sword. Believing in Jesus as the son of God reveals
the heart- whether it is to be saved or is destined for judgement. And it is still the same today.
The Pharisees
and Sadducees, the religious leaders of Israel, rejected their own Messiah. To
them, Jesus was an irritation and a threat to their power structure among the
people. He must not be allowed to live. Their heart was revealed by their own
actions.
The
sign that would be spoken against, is referring to the his resurrection. After hearing
the report of what the Roman guards saw at the tomb, the religious leaders
bribed them saying that his disciples had stolen the body of Jesus as the
guards slept. This report was still going around when the gospels were being
written.
“So the soldiers took the money and did as
they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews
to this very day.” (Matthew 28:15)
The last part of Simeon’s prophecy must have troubled Mary.
"'… a sword shall pierce through thy own soul
also”
Anyone that has a child wants that child to grow up happy,
healthy and prosperous in all that they do. The parents look forward to seeing
them succeed in life and raise a family of their own. But Mary would not have
this privilege with her first-born son. Even though in his life, Jesus would
change the lives of many, he would also be hated and spoken against. On many
occasions the people would try to stone him. His words would cut the hearts of
many who would betray him, beat him and put him to death as a common criminal.
Think of the pain this must have caused Mary. Remember that she was AT THE
CROSS. You can see Simeon’s prophecy come true in Mary’s life.
God’s
man Simeon would reveal to Jesus’ parents what their son’s life would mean to
the world as well as the tumult that his life would bring. But he also blessed
them both and encouraged them.
After this
day, Simeon could die in peace, knowing that God had fulfilled His promise to
him. For he had seen with his eyes the Lord’s Christ - the savior of the world.
Love
Always, Ray
