Patient and Willing- is that you?

Today we see Mary and Joseph fulfilling the obligations required of them as new Jewish parents by having Jesus circumcised after 8 days and then presented in the temple after 40 days. Bethlehem was about 6 miles from Jerusalem so going to the temple to present Jesus and make offerings was easy to accomplish. When they were at the temple, they encountered a man named Simeon.

“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation,which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Luke 2:25-33 (NLT)

Simeon is an example to us of one who patiently waits upon the Lord and then acts accordingly when prompted by the Holy Spirit. His prophesy revealed confirmation to Mary and Joseph that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the one who was to save Israel and that He would be a light to the world and reveal God to all nations. This message of who Jesus was and what He would accomplish had been revealed by the angels when they appeared to Mary, “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:32-33 It was also confirmed to Joseph, “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Then on the night of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds came and shared the revelation the angel gave them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:10-11

Mary and Joseph had heard and seen confirmation from God about their son. I’m sure that this was a source of comfort, encouragement and strength as they faced the days and years ahead. The future would bring them trials and hardships but without a doubt they could know they were part of God’s plan to save mankind from their sins.

What about you? Do you see yourself as part of God’s plan? We are God’s plan A. We are to tell others about the love of Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. The gospel message of love and redemption is ours to tell. Find someone to speak to today about the love of Jesus.