It's the start of a new year! New Year's resolutions, a fresh start, out with the old & in with the new. So exciting!
Recently, at my church, my minister preached about Luke 2:22-38. It's the story of how Jesus is first brought to the temple by His parents (Mary and Joseph) after He is born so He can be presented to God. There they meet two people. A righteous man named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna who were very old. Both are delighted to see Jesus because they know who He is! They speak to His parents and tell all those around that this baby is the Messiah that the world has been waiting for.
I have read this story before. Many times. But somehow, it was different this time. This time, this small story was mind-blowing to me! There's this one passage from the story where Simeon says to Mary:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Those are some deep words -- especially about a baby!! Can you even imagine?! Basically, this man you just met is telling you that your son is going to be a world changer! He's going to affect people so much He will create a shift in society, change people's hearts and minds, create rift in the world which will cause you the greatest pain you’ve ever experienced.
For Mary, this was probably incredibly exciting and amazing, but also absolutely terrifying! But it's not even the above passage that made me truly amazed at this story.
There's always one question that's asked in interviews for famous people, politicians, intellects, etc. And it's "If you could go back in time, who would you want to meet and have a conversation with?" And up until now, I've never really thought about what my answer would be. But sitting in that church pew, the answer hit me like bolt of lightning.
"JESUS!!! Of course!"
Like 1000% I would want to meet and talk to Jesus face to face! Maybe not when He was a baby, but even if He was a baby, that would be incredible just to meet Him at all! Who doesn't want to meet God in human form?! That would be the most fantastic experience in the entire universe!
And that's why this story struck me as mind-blowing! Simeon and Anna got to meet the promised Messiah, God in person, the Saving One, the Lord of All. They had been waiting all their lives for this day to come and it did come! They were so excited that they sang praises and told everyone around them about their encounter with God. They couldn't contain themselves!
As 2018 gets under way, I think I will always remember this story. Not only because of its prophetic message, but because of the feeling. It's like that New Year's Eve feeling -- watching the clock strike midnight, fireworks going off, happiness fills the air, the promise of a new and exciting year has just begun. That's how I anticipate meeting Jesus will be like. And just like Simeon and Anna, I never want to give up on that excitement! I want to learn all about how astounding He is, know all that He has done, and find out what He has in store. I want to understand how amazing the meeting will be so that I don't miss out on the fact that meeting someone like that is truly amazing!
The Bible is filled with many incredible stories. But this one is a hidden gem. Being reminded of it as 2018 begins is even more of a blessing. Going into a new year with excitement and the promise of all God has to offer is such a great way to start off 2018. So get excited! Feel the rush of God's power and love takeover as we race into 2018 with an excitement unlike any other! Great things are to come! Are you ready?
G.O.L.F.
Recently, at my church, my minister preached about Luke 2:22-38. It's the story of how Jesus is first brought to the temple by His parents (Mary and Joseph) after He is born so He can be presented to God. There they meet two people. A righteous man named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna who were very old. Both are delighted to see Jesus because they know who He is! They speak to His parents and tell all those around that this baby is the Messiah that the world has been waiting for.
I have read this story before. Many times. But somehow, it was different this time. This time, this small story was mind-blowing to me! There's this one passage from the story where Simeon says to Mary:
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Those are some deep words -- especially about a baby!! Can you even imagine?! Basically, this man you just met is telling you that your son is going to be a world changer! He's going to affect people so much He will create a shift in society, change people's hearts and minds, create rift in the world which will cause you the greatest pain you’ve ever experienced.
For Mary, this was probably incredibly exciting and amazing, but also absolutely terrifying! But it's not even the above passage that made me truly amazed at this story.
There's always one question that's asked in interviews for famous people, politicians, intellects, etc. And it's "If you could go back in time, who would you want to meet and have a conversation with?" And up until now, I've never really thought about what my answer would be. But sitting in that church pew, the answer hit me like bolt of lightning.
"JESUS!!! Of course!"
Like 1000% I would want to meet and talk to Jesus face to face! Maybe not when He was a baby, but even if He was a baby, that would be incredible just to meet Him at all! Who doesn't want to meet God in human form?! That would be the most fantastic experience in the entire universe!
And that's why this story struck me as mind-blowing! Simeon and Anna got to meet the promised Messiah, God in person, the Saving One, the Lord of All. They had been waiting all their lives for this day to come and it did come! They were so excited that they sang praises and told everyone around them about their encounter with God. They couldn't contain themselves!
As 2018 gets under way, I think I will always remember this story. Not only because of its prophetic message, but because of the feeling. It's like that New Year's Eve feeling -- watching the clock strike midnight, fireworks going off, happiness fills the air, the promise of a new and exciting year has just begun. That's how I anticipate meeting Jesus will be like. And just like Simeon and Anna, I never want to give up on that excitement! I want to learn all about how astounding He is, know all that He has done, and find out what He has in store. I want to understand how amazing the meeting will be so that I don't miss out on the fact that meeting someone like that is truly amazing!
The Bible is filled with many incredible stories. But this one is a hidden gem. Being reminded of it as 2018 begins is even more of a blessing. Going into a new year with excitement and the promise of all God has to offer is such a great way to start off 2018. So get excited! Feel the rush of God's power and love takeover as we race into 2018 with an excitement unlike any other! Great things are to come! Are you ready?
G.O.L.F.