January 9, 2013

“Spirit-Led Prophetic Confirmation”

Blessings Folk!

Our synoptic gospel reading today is from Luke 2:21-38…

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The amazing confirmation of the child continues.

Can you imagine holding Jesus, The Messiah, The Savior of the world in your arms.

Joseph and Mary were faithful in adhering to the Law according to the Word of the Lord.

In the process, they had two poignant encounters.

Simeon

• devout
• righteous
• looking for the restoration of Israel
• Holy Spirit upon him
• Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ
• directed by the Holy Spirit
• followed the Holy Spirit

We as Believers have the Holy Spirit.
Do we live in the same manner as Simeon?
Do we heed the guidance of the Spirit?

Look at what Simeon revealed about the Lord…

• God’s salvation
• Prepared by God in the presence of all peoples
• a light
• a revelation to the Gentiles (an amazing proclamation considering the moment!)
• for the glory to God’s people Israel

Joseph and Mary were amazed.

Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary.

Simeon then told Mary…

• this child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a signed to be rejected.
• as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed
• a sword will pierce your own soul as well.

Not the type of things one would expect to be said to the mom.

Anna

Anna had been faithful to the Lord worshipping, fasting, praying.
She gave thanks to God.
She told those awaiting for the redemption of Jerusalem about the child.

So, for us…
Are we walking in the Spirit?
Do we follow the leadership of the Spirit?
Are we faithful where the Lord has placed us?
Do we speak of the child to those awaiting redemption?