December 28th, 2017

Luke 2:33-35 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.”
 
IN the midst of this joyous moment for Simeon, he prophesies to Mary a summary of Jesus’ life. Jesus will cause change. People will rise, and people will fall because of Jesus’ life. People will oppose Jesus. There will be great sorrow for Mary. Notice he didn’t say this to Joseph. Joseph would not witness the terrible death of God’s son.
     The gospel message is certainly about change. When Jesus came to the earth each one he personally touched changed. We’ve read of Zechariah, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and now Simeon experiencing God’s profound love. Certainly this was just the beginning of our Savior’s magnificent impact on mankind to change us forever. See the change in Israel before Jesus went to the cross. Thousands of people saw his miracles. He fed them bread for lunch and the Bread of Life for eternity. He turned the water into wine and his blood into our eternal drink of salvation. He healed our bodies and cleansed your sin. He died to defeat death. He rose to resurrect millions into the eternal Kingdom of God. Yes, Jesus broke into the world as God’s great Gift to change you. How do you respond to God’s eternal blessing? In humility and gratitude, you go to Jesus and tell him, “Lord, I need to change. Show me what I must do to more deeply know your love.” Then listen to his voice.
     “Where’s his voice?” you ask. Hear him in the Bible’s words. Read it with open ears. Listen, also, to the words of a friend who knows Jesus. Believe the words of a pastor who offers you the truth. And know Jesus’ voice, most of all, is in the Holy Spirit as he quietly speaks to you. Listen to him. He is your Comforter, your Helper. He will save you from harm, protect you from evil, offer you hope, and show you God’s peace. Yes, in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is still changing you with his personal, eternal touch.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the changes you brought into the world and into my life through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Amen.