Question Time

Every Lenten/Easter season our church follows a devotional designed to focus our thoughts and hearts on the Lord Jesus and His gift of salvation in specific way.  This year our focus is on the Last Words of Christ.

One of the readings was from Luke 2:25-35.  It spoke about Simeon looking not at a future political ruler when he gazed at the infant Jesus, but at the Salvation of the nations.  He saw past the worldly needs of freedom from tyranny to the eternal need of salvation and freedom from sin and death.  I don't know if Simeon understood completely all the implications of this tiny child, but He did know that Jesus would bring salvation, cause many in Israel to fall, give joy to others and Mary herself would be pierced through the heart to see her Son's suffering.

So in looking at Simeon, one of those God questions came to my mind, "Am I looking for my Savior to show up?"  As I go about my daily grind am I looking for Jesus to show up in my day?  Maybe we should go even further with this question.  Am I looking for the final, triumphant return of my Savior?  Well there's a second question.  LOL   My Bible says about Simeon, "He was righteous and devout and was EAGERLY waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel."  Luke 2:25  Are we eager for Jesus to show up?  Do we really think He will rescue us?  Are we looking for Him?

I think if we answer "no" to these questions we are missing out on so much hope and peace.  I want to answer "yes," but I know I get caught up in the crazy pace of living and forget to look for Jesus to come and touch my life on a daily basis, and I forget to look to the skies and say, "Is it today Lord?  Are You coming back today?"  It's what God visits are all about really....the Lord coming into our day and making Himself known, His hand reaching out and touching our hearts, our circumstances our lives.  I want to look for those moments and touches!  I want to eagerly await them!

Lord, thank You for the story of Simeon.  It is one of my favorites and it shows me the attitude of expectancy I desire to have.  Put this attitude in all our hearts, help us to not be so caught up in life that we forget to look for You in our day, and keep the hope of Your return in our hearts.  I love the special moments You show up in my day, but sometimes I think we all forget to take notice and we miss out.  Give us clear vision, expectant hearts and Jesus focused minds today!  In His precious Name.  Amen.

Let's start each day with a heart of expectancy, and a prayer to watch for Him.

Luke 2:25-35  25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”