Thursday, January 2, 2025

Today's Scripture
Luke 2:21–40

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

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.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (NRSV)

Reflection

If you’re like me, you often wonder about Jesus’ childhood. What mischievousness did he inflict on his younger brothers and sisters? Was he a good reader and writer? What did Joseph teach him about the carpentry trade? The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Jesus’ youth except that he lived in Nazareth with his family, was obedient to his parents, and that (later in Luke chapter 2) “Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

This lack of information is why today’s devotion from Luke 2 is so informative and insightful. For instance, we learn his name when he is circumcised eight days after his birth (which would be today in our Gregorian calendar). We learn his parents traveled to Jerusalem for Jesus’ purification rites at a temple.

And we learn much more from the elderly duo, the devout, righteous, and godly Simeon and Anna, at the temple. Indeed, we learn from them the most significant revelation in Christ’s infancy: that he is God’s and Israel’s Messiah.

Simeon is the essential witness here since the Lord had promised Simeon he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. And while he holds Jesus in his arms, Simeon proclaims him the Messiah for all people, not just the Jews. Most telling, he prophecies to Mary the future rejection, crucifixion, and death of Christ Jesus.

As we begin this new year, what spiritual lessons and qualities do you draw from these verses? For me, they include these: Live righteously and with the right heart. Serve Christ, growing in strength and wisdom. Be faithful. Please click on this anthem, Simeon’s Canticle, to perhaps draw other insights.

Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, let me be like the faithful Simeon, always expecting the Promised One’s arrival with steadfast joy, praise, and glory. Amen.

Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email