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Then 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 "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:34-35
God had promised Simeon that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah. That promise was fulfilled the day Jesus was brought to the temple to be consecrated. But with this promise came a problem: this Messiah would be a welcome sight to some but a controversy to others.
Jesus, the Word [logos] of God would be "sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow," and He would be "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). He would become the greatest threat to the self-righteous, and the greatest friend to the sinner seeking forgiveness.
Then, as now, it all came down to the heart. Open your own heart to the Messiah today, so that you can experience the full healing of His love. If you feel reluctant, ask God to reveal why, and confess any sin. Don't be afraid of the great Revealer--He came to raise up the humble and give new life.
Prayer: Father, reveal my inner thoughts so that I may receive Your grace to change and become like Your Son.
God had promised Simeon that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah. That promise was fulfilled the day Jesus was brought to the temple to be consecrated. But with this promise came a problem: this Messiah would be a welcome sight to some but a controversy to others.
Jesus, the Word [logos] of God would be "sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow," and He would be "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). He would become the greatest threat to the self-righteous, and the greatest friend to the sinner seeking forgiveness.
Then, as now, it all came down to the heart. Open your own heart to the Messiah today, so that you can experience the full healing of His love. If you feel reluctant, ask God to reveal why, and confess any sin. Don't be afraid of the great Revealer--He came to raise up the humble and give new life.
Prayer: Father, reveal my inner thoughts so that I may receive Your grace to change and become like Your Son.