December 22, 2009

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Old Man
Scripture Reading
Luke 2:25-35 (HCSB) 25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: 29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, according to Your word. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. 31 You have prepared [it] in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Devotion
Confirmation. It’s one thing to hear from an angel. It’s another thing to have the message confirmed by flesh and blood. When Mary and Joseph reached Jerusalem, a man they did not know confirmed what they already knew. Jesus was the Messiah.
Sometimes God allows us to get a bigger picture of His plan. Sometimes He provides someone to share with us and encourage us on the path that He has already laid out for us. And sometimes … we get information we wish we did not have to know. Such was the case with Simeon. Simeon revealed to the young couple that there would be the cause of sorrow (in Jesus' death) as well as joy (in the salvation of all!). However, the encouragement that they were not crazy and that God was up to something must have been a great relief!

Questions
Have you ever felt God leading you to something, and then been encouraged by someone to pursue it?

What are some possible “crazy” things you think God might want you to do?

How can you be sure something is really God’s will?

Prayer
Dear God, Please send people in my life to encourage me to follow your will. Amen.

Carol
“O Holy Night”

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