The Gospel of Luke 2:33-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:33-35 KJV).

While Mary and Joseph marveled at the words spoken by Simeon, he continues to declare blessings upon them. This is in the back drop of knowing that the Lord Jesus came to bring goodness and light in a world infected by sin under the power of darkness, decay, and death. His words about the Child Jesus revealed that He would bring salvation to the world - to the Jews, as well as, to the Gentiles. Maybe a puzzled look was formed on the faces of Mary and Joseph as they listened to Simeon, even although they had been given some information by the angelic visits they had known personally, as well as the shepherds' testimonials. Perhaps they wondered how child Jesus would bring about this great salvation described by Simeon.

The Lord’s life was not about ease and comfort but about confrontation of truth. Darkness had to be cast. Decay had to be destroyed. Death had to be defeated. Accomplishing these meant taking on the powers of this world to release their grip on the hearts of many. Yes the world must be liberated. It meant a high cost to be paid as ransom. Those who wanted to preserve the status quo and don’t accept this liberation, meant war within themselves.

The Lord Jesus came to draw us unto Himself. He came a sacrificial lamb. Not a sweet, do gooder pal. When we surrender our hearts to him as Lord, He becomes our friend and brother. There is no middle ground. He is not just a good guy, who comes to do good things and to make good people happy. He is Savior, Lord, and King. All pretenders, and their lackeys, opposes him. Our joy was Mary's pain. Our victory was Jesus' agony. Our hope was God's sacrifice. So, let Simeon's words fill and compel you to make a decision to receive Him by faith.

Should we continue to work our own salvation like many who are engrossed in their ritualistic religious effort doing some works of self effort to impress God? Are you disregarding the sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus. Brushing it aside as if they can do better, they voided the heavy price paid by the Lord. Apostle Paul gives his personal testimony to remind us to honor His sacrifice by resting in His grace through faith. He says: “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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