Ponderings of the Resurrection

Mary and Joseph obeyed God by bringing Jesus to the temple to be consecrated as the firstborn. God had arranged to have a prophet and prophetess speak over Him.

Mary hid these things in her heart.

Simeon Blesses Mary and Joseph and Says many things about Jesus

Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and proclaimed many things about Jesus. My eyes have seen your salvation. Simeon declared that Jesus was indeed the Messiah and would bring Salvation. He would bring a light to the Gentile nations and be the glory of Israel. The prophets of the Old Testament confirm that God would show his love to the Gentiles, but that seemed like a far off thing. He would bring glory to Israel....the people of his time couldn't see this happening. Many could not see Him as sent of God at all. The Jews of Jesus time were waiting for a deliver who would free them from the oppression of Rome and restore the nation to the glory of David. They were not aware that God's Salvation would start with individual hearts and changed lives. Genesis 12 reminds us that God told Abram that the nations would be blessed through the Jewish nation.

A Hard Path

Simon spoke further, "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.”

Imagine if you will these parents. Mary the mother and Joseph the willing step-father hearing these words and having to process them. I have to adult boys and remember fondly their babyhood. The hopes and dreams for blessing in their lives. The promise their little lives held amazed me. Mary and Joseph had agreed to allow God to work in their life...to allow the Son of God to be born to them. Perhaps they like those of their time dreamed of Messiah as freeing them from oppression. They'd held him in their arms...they willingly sacrifice their reputation and future to obey God. Now these words shed light upon the purpose and plan of God for their son. I would do anything to help my boys have a good life and to fulfill the plan of God. I hate to think of the hard parts of their lives and really wish they could all be eliminated. Mary and Joseph were willing to sacrifice much, but they did not realize how much Jesus would sacrifice and what he would do to bring salvation to the world.

Not my will but thine
Certainly as God in the flesh Jesus wanted to do the will of the Father. As a human being that grit and determination towards obedience to God was shown to him by parents who said..."Let it be unto me as you have said." and followed obedience.

What steps of obedience has God asked of you? Do you have the fortitude to obey God even when things are not easy? Take some time to ponder what the Lord has spoken into your life.