Forty Days Later

You may find this article to be a bit different from the usual. I'm not attempting to draw any conclusions, but merely leaving you with some things to consider.  

It has been about forty days since we celebrated Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that, according to Mosaic law, Jesus was to be presented at the temple at least a month after His birth for the ceremony Pidyon ha'Ben, or the redemption of the firstborn. His mother, Mary, was required to present herself for purification forty days after her son's birth. Joseph and Mary were obedient to God's law, so they came with their son, Jesus, and the sacrifice required by God in His Torah (Luke 2:25-40). At some point during the ceremony, they were joined by a man named Simeon, a devout man, waiting for the Messiah and having the Holy Spirit upon him. He had received a promise: he would not die until he'd seen the Messiah for himself. "So he came by the Spirit into the temple," on the day, at the moment Joseph and Mary were there with Jesus. Did the Holy Spirit wake him out of a sound sleep? How far did he travel to get there? Had he been told days in advance? Did he have something else planned for the day? How many times had he arrived at the temple in anticipation, only to be told, "Go home, old man, Messiah isn't coming today"?

So, Simeon arrived at the temple, found this tiny new family, and did the "hand-off." You know what I mean: that slow, intentional passing of a tiny baby from bosom to bosom. The cradling, the quiet. There is no breathing, just a small gasp of excitement as a delicate but supercharged bundle of life is exchanged and hearts virtually explode with joy! What was Simeon feeling? Face to face with the God of the Universe, the Deliverer, the Prince of Peace! Imagine his tears! How did the Child feel to him? Tender and warm or like holding fast to a mighty storm? How did the Babe smell? Like the rain or a fresh hot cup of coffee or a rose, the Rose of Sharon? How did Jesus respond? Did He coo and smile, reach a tiny hand to touch Simeon's wiry grey beard? What were Simeon's thoughts? God, through Luke tells us Simeon made a b'rakhah, a blessing. The word b'rakhah comes from the Hebrew word for "knee" and draws a connection between worship and bended knees. Simeon most humbly and gratefully adored the long-awaited Messiah, "a light that will bring revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel." He did not forget the promise made to him and how it had at that very moment been fulfilled; but in obedience to the Holy Spirit he spoke some not-so-good news as well. This Child will cause many in Israel to rise and fall; He will be spoken against, and you Mary, will feel that pain right to the depths of your heart. But all of this will be necessary (paraphrase mine). Imagine delivering that bombshell at a birthday party! Regardless of expectation, Simeon obeyed-- from the quiet of his home, on the road to the temple, in this moment before his King. 

We are told of another follower, Anna, a prophetess and widow. Her life was lived at the temple, fasting and praying. When she witnessed the events that day, she praised God and went about telling everyone of the Deliverer who had come. As a widow, she was dependent upon the kindness of God's people to provide her with the necessities of life; the temple was where she found safety and sustenance. But as a witness, an ambassador for the King, she could offer others treasure beyond bread and a place to sleep; she could leave the building to which she may have been socially and traditionally confined. How did it feel for her to suddenly be so wealthy? How did it feel to be free? How did it feel for her to step out into the bustling streets of Jerusalem, be among the people, and share with them the fulfillment of God's prophecy? How did those she spoke with receive the news? When did she return to the temple? later that night, or did her excitement carry her for days? (I know I said I wasn't drawing any conclusions of my own, but I find it hard to believe she simply went back to the temple, curled up on her mat, and prepared to die.)

As you continue throughout your day, I encourage you to consider some of these things:

Am I walking so closely in step with God that I might hear His promises as Simeon did? that I might hold fast to His promises as Simeon? Am I sure that I have seen Jesus "face to face" before I die? If I have, am I willing to leave the comfort of my home or even my country to tell others about the Savior I have seen? Am I willing to defy convention or social constructs to serve and speak the truth? What does Jesus mean to me? How is He revealing Himself to me? What is the Holy Spirit speaking to me? And am I prepared eager to obey?

Be blessed!