Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyනියැදිය

Fear to faith – Simeon.

Mary and Joseph seemingly did not hang around in Bethlehem for very long. The stable might have been a necessity as the time came for the birth of the child, but it was not a comfortable place for them to remain. Just eight days later, we find them bringing Jesus – who had been ‘born under the law, to redeem those under the law’ (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV) – to be circumcised. And either at the same time or shortly afterwards, he was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Seemingly without announcement, Simeon, a godly, righteous man who had been assured by God that he would see the Messiah, took Jesus in his arms. Simeon was renowned as devout and had received a continuous anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the era of the Old Testament, the Spirit came on people for a period of time or an event, but Simeon’s continuing endowment was something special. He received Jesus from Mary and Joseph and then declared, ‘For my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel’ (Luke 2:30-32 NIV). A redeemer – not only for Israel but for all people.

Having had their own ‘fear to faith’ experiences, Mary and Joseph would have been further assured and encouraged by the words of Simeon. Not only had they had their own miraculous encounters with angels, but now a renowned holy man of the Temple was reinforcing all they had seen and heard.

There is always a place for godly and mature Christian disciples to provide words of support and affirmation at significant times in people’s lives. Such words speak powerfully into those lives, and greatly enrich their faith. We each have this opportunity, and should grasp it carefully but confidently whenever we have the chance.

How can we live in readiness to be used by God in this way?