direct and clear guidance
I can hardly imagine a world without light bulbs. Some times we take for granted how easy it is for us to access light. For the last few days, the light in my bathroom couldn't be turned on. And so I was getting ready in a very dim light or I had to get ready during the day, shower at random times, so that I can see. Today, the light was restored, and I could see. What a difference a bright light makes. Today's bible study was Luke 2: 22-40.
I often take for granted that in Jesus' day, we would have been excluded to some extent. And for Simeon to realise that Jesus would be the light to the Gentiles is something pretty cool, he was certainly ahead of his time. Jesus had come to complete the old promise and to start a new promise with all who choose to believe in him.
Another point that I thought was quite interesting was the Simeon, was moved by the spirit to go to the temple courts and to meet Jesus. Sometimes if you skim through the bible, you may miss the richness in the text. Think about it, this guy knew that he was going to see the Christ before he died, he was convinced that this would happen in his lifetime. He was then moved by the spirit to go to a particular place, at a particular time to see a particular person. HOW CAN WE GET CLEAR GUIDANCE LIKE THAT TODAY?
This man was close to God, and the holy spirit moved him. How? Was it a particular feeling? Was it that he heard a voice? Was a note written on the wall? We don't know. And how did he know which was Jesus, out of all the people that would have been in the temple courts that day? It's amazing isn't it? That Simeon got such clear guidance from God.
I too want such clear guidance about my studies, career path, relationships, worship direction, etc. The bible gives us a few hints in today's passage about how to get such guidance. 1) Simeon was devout ~ implying that he would have served the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. 2) He was righteous ~ implying that he treated people fairly 3) the guidance came from the Holy Spirit 4) he was hopeful for God's kingdom and deliverance.
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e]She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
On a sweeter note, it's such a joy to share with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Makes all my hard work worth it.
So until next time, even if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains :)
