Weekly Devotional 12-26-16 A Very Unique Child
Eight days after His birth, Jesus was circumcised according to the Law of Moses. He was then taken to Jerusalem by His parents to be dedicated (Luke 2:21-24 NKJV). As He was about to be dedicated, two persons paid Him homage. They were Simeon and Anna. We read of this from verses 25-38 of Luke 21. “25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘29Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.’ 33And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’
36Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
Looking into the face of Jesus, Simeon recognized Him for who He is, and proclaimed; “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Anna, looking upon Him, was so moved by her recognition of Him that she “spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
As you celebrate Christmas this year have you looked into the face of the baby Jesus through the Gospels? Have you paused to consider who he is? He was not an ordinary baby, but He is God in the flesh, man’s redeemer, and the glory of Israel.
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Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man
Christian National Church