How can we assure
ourselves of that peace?
Luke introduces to us two people who
meet the baby Jesus. The way that these two react to Jesus that may hold the
secret. We can learn from Simeon & Anna how have peace and contentment.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21 On the
eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the
name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When
the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph
and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as
it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be
consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in
keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young
pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,
who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and
the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by
the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved
by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the
child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon
took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign
Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in
peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which
you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for
revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The
child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.” 36 There
was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and
then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but
worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to
them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to
all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When
Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they
returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the
child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God
was on him. -Luke 2:21-40
Always seek the living Lord. It will put a smile on God's
face, and yours too. Amen?
