Changed Forever

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 prophesied a summary of Jesus’ transforming ministry. Jesus will cause change. As he declared God’s truth on earth, many – even his own people – would reject him. Their opposing words would reveal sin-chained hearts and pride-stained minds. People will fall into condemnation because of Jesus affirmed the truth. Many, too, will rise out of sin into salvation. Jesus is God come to earth. God always makes a difference.
    During Jesus’ lifetime, thousands upon thousands of people were changed through his miracles. Jesus fed thousands. He healed the sick. He forgave the repentant sinners. On the cross, Jesus exchanged his holiness for our sin. Since the cross, the Holy Spirit has changed millions of souls to eternal life because Jesus, the Savior, has come. Countless people have new hearts of faith to live in God’s eternal heaven. Each new heart has a personal experience of change through Jesus Christ.
    Luke, for example, describes such personal change through the account Mary’s and Joseph’s lives. We have witnessed how they faithfully responded to God’s life-changing call. We can turn to Jesus’ death and his ascension in John’s gospel and Luke’s second book, Acts, to see, too, that Mary remained faithful to Jesus. Her grief-pierced soul became a joyful praise as she witnessed Jesus’ persecution, death, resurrection and ascension: John 19:25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. And Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
    As you hear the gospel, whether it is for the first time or the ten thousandth time, I pray the good news has pierced your sin-dead heart. My great hope for all is Romans 10:8 “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
    May it be that Jesus has healed your heart into a living faith.
   
Prayer: You are the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus. Change my life to fully receive you. Amen.