Luke 2:22-38
Reading 1
Luke 2:22-38
“22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Why does Like choose to record this account of Jesus’ early days for Theophilus? I feel there are two reasons.
Reason one. How a child is raised matters. Luke makes clear that Jesus’ parents were word obedient. They took serious the ways of God and sought to do that which God had directed. They circumcised Jesus according to the law. (2:21) They purified Jesus according to the law. (2:22) Also, they properly did everything with a pure heart according to God’s Word. (2:39)
Reason two. God blesses those who look for His promises. In recording what is going on with Jesus Luke records two other individuals. These two individuals had lived life looking for the promises of God.
Simeon was “righteous and devout.” He had been patiently waiting for the “consolation of Israel” and Luke records that he entered the temple led by both the “Spirit” and word. Simeon was waiting for God’s blessings and when He looked into the face of Christ he realized he was witnessing first hand God’s direct blessing.
Anna would have been at least 90 years old. In the first century to be 90 was to exponentially be old. It was odd however like Simeon she has been expecting God’s promise and is looking for it.
As this mid February week begins do you know what some promises of God are and are you actively living each day in anticipation of them. I will share two along with a challenge.
Consider Psalm 27:10-11 and know that you have one parent and friend who is a forever lover of you and your soul. Consider God’s promise that if we will seek Him He will never abandon us.
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies. - Psalm 27:10-11
Consider also John 14:13-14 along with Philippians 4:6-7. Jesus reiterates the power of prayer especially when in Christ we pray in His name. Most every night since March of 2020 I have humbly ask God in the name of Christ to keep Covid from my home. During this time there have been challenges. We have been quarantined, Laura has had to work in the hospital with Covid patients, and we have had other sicknesses in our home but God in Christ has kept our home free from Covid.
It is important as disciples of Christ to saturate our hearts and mind with His word and then live each day looking for God’s goodness, promises, and leading.
“12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
I challenge you this week to read the text above and know you are not alone. If you feel alone tell God so, He is a big boy. Then consider the promises provided for us in the scripture regarding the power of prayer. In Christ name be bold and go before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to convict you sin and then lean on His strength and power for the challenges of the day. Like Jospeh, Mary, Simeon and Anna lets be bold to walk faithfully and daily look with anticipation for the promises of God.
