Waiting, Hoping, Pondering...            

 “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.”  LUKE 2:25-35            

This portion of scripture tells us that God’s salvation had been prepared in the presence of
all peoples. But Simeon, who was righteous and devout and who walked with God,
a man the Holy Spirit rested upon, was ready to receive God’s salvation. 
Simeon lived his life in anticipation, looking forward to, what God had
promised.  He was a man God revealed things to, a man with an obedient
heart.  So, he knew it was the Holy Spirit telling him to go to the temple
on a particular day, so he didn’t hesitate.           

Simeon was along in years.  He had been waiting a lifetime, years
of faithfully looking forward in hope, not giving up, trusting and believing
what God had promised.           
This scene in Luke 2 is really remarkable.  A young couple comes to the temple, doing
the customary thing of dedicating their child, offering a sacrifice.  This
was something that took place every day, nothing out of the ordinary, yet,
spirit-led Simeon sees the miraculous in the ordinary.  Imagine you are
Mary, dedicating your baby and a perfect stranger takes him from your arms and
begins prophesying over him.  And what a prophecy! What amazing words were
spoken about this baby boy, whom Simeon didn’t know, yet wasn’t a stranger
to.  Scripture says Mary and Joseph were amazed.           

And then Simeon speaks a special word to Mary, a deeper word.  We don’t know if she
alone heard it, but we are told he addressed these words to her.  Mothers
are very concerned about what people say about their children. Every mother is
concerned about the future of her child, every mother longs for her child to do
something significant in the world.  Every mother wonders what might be,
but few have a Spirit-filled, life-dedicated, righteous and devout,
trusted-with-God’s-revelation person speaking over and into the life of their
child.            

This amazing scene unfolds “in the presence of all peoples” but guidance and direction and
understanding had been given to Simeon.  His inner thoughts had been
revealed, exposing an obedient and dedicated heart.  Likewise, the inner
thoughts and hearts of each person will be exposed – God’s salvation has been
prepared in the presence of all people.               

Jump ahead now to Jesus being twelve years old, Mary, tired and worried, finally finding
Jesus in the temple.  He had been there three days, listening and asking
questions, and filling those around him with wonder at his understanding.           

How Simeon’s words must have rung in her ears, as days of fatigue and frantic worry gave way
to deeper resting and understanding, as she observed her son in light of those
years-passed, treasured-up words of Simeon.  As she watched Jesus in
amazement and wonder and replayed those words, pondering and keeping them in
her heart, as only a mother can.  And as the years pass and he increases
in wisdom, as she watches him daily growing and interacting, finding favor with
men and God, what all must Mary have wondered as she considered Simeon’s
prophecy for her, “…and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”           

As I read and re-read this story this morning, these words were particularly impressed
upon my heart … ”the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.”  I pray
that you will take time this week to ponder some of God’s Word in your
heart.            

Like Simeon, you and I can dedicate our lives to be guided by and obedient to the Spirit of
God. What are we waiting a lifetime to see, what inner thoughts of ours will be
reaveled?           

Who knows what God may do through those He can trust to manifest Himself to…

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We want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a
Blessed New Year!!! 

Susan, Romaine and SCWN Board