GOD REWARDS THE RIGHTEOUS AND DEVOUT - THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, PART 2

There is another Christmas miracle which is not spoken of much, today, outside of a few Christmas programs at church, or as a footnote as preachers tell the background story of the Nativity. 

This often overlooked, yet significant account in the Book of Luke, carries both a one time incident, combined with a lesson for the believer, through the life of man called Simeon.  Who Simeon is, how he lived and the miracle the Lord our God allowed him to witness are integral to the Christmas story, as it happened just 8 days after the Lord was born in the Bethlehem manger.

Bethlehem is almost 6 miles south from the center of Jerusalem where the Temple would have stood (the current Western – or Wailing – Wall is the only remnant left of the Temple). Under Jewish Law, ALL Jewish boys had to be circumcised on the 8th day after their birth and Jesus was no exception. His parents would have had to walk to the Temple in Jerusalem, so that a Levite priest could conduct this ceremony. There was ample time for the Joseph, Mary and Jesus to make it back to the Temple and then get back to Bethlehem so that the census down there could continue. 

Something spectacular then happened when Mary and Joseph got to the Temple with the baby Jesus, which involved two elderly and faithful followers of Yahweh whom God had decided to bless in the most incredible way, in His Sovereignty. One of them was a man named Simeon.  The Lord, had previously promised Simeon that he would not leave this earth until he saw “The Lord’s Christ” (New American Standard Bible)…meaning the Lord’s Messiah (Moschiach).  When Mary and Joseph entered the Temple in Jerusalem, the story picks up in the following two verses:

"And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ" (Luke 2:25-26).

To wind up the historical account, Simeon, under strong Power from the Holy Spirit, blesses Mary and Joseph and the Baby and goes on to make accurate prophetic statements which came directly from the Holy Spirit. READ SIMEON’S PROPHESY HERE.  The prophesy, which he gave about Jesus, has turned out to be absolutely accurate, because Jesus remains the only Eternal Force in all human history Who is the Sign of the rise and fall of many.

What is relevant to us today, as Christians in the end times, who are called a Holy Priesthood, a Royal Nation, are two words which were used by the Holy Spirit to describe Simeon, in the Scripture quoted from Luke 2.  

These words are “righteous” and “devout”. Here is what the Bible says about Simeon in the original inspired language of Scripture:

Righteous (verse 25) - the original word is "dikaios" and it literally means "approved by God". Why? Because he - the righteous one - lived his life in alignment with God, and the Will of God. How did Simeon know the Will of God? He knew the Scriptures intimately. Do you know and love the Bible that way?

The question for you and I is this: are WE, who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ, in alignment with His Word, His Will and His Ways? This serious question makes all the difference between a truly converted, born-again believer and a professing false convert, or so-called Christian. The worldwide church today is full of the latter. God is only looking for those whose hearts are fully set on Him, are loyal to Him and are in line with all His Teachings.

Devout (verse 25 again) - the original word here is "eulabes". This word means careful, pious or holy, circumspect and God-fearing. This characteristic  is deadly serious because, God demands complete respect. On the final Day, every knee will bow, including those from pagan so-called religions and those who hate the Lord. They will bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. For now though, what the Bible and the word "DEVOUT" is telling us, is the following: in addition to being in full alignment with Scripture and thus the Will/Work/Ways of God, Simeon walked the talk!

In other words, the man who knows all this about the Father in Heaven was very careful with his faith, took it serious and walked the straight and narrow. It reflects the words of the Apostle Peter, who repeated the Old Testament command that we must holy as God is holy. Simeon was all of this and more. Because of his pious, healthy devotion and love for God, our Heavenly Father gave Simeon a privilege which no one will ever have then or since.

We already know that Biblical ignorance is worse now in the western church than ever. Because the culture has crept into the church and most Bible readings are now not from a physical bible taken into the Sanctuary, but a temporary visual on the screen behind the pastor, the Biblical worldview of western adults according to both the Pew Center for Religion and George Barna surveys is a pitiful 9-11% of adults! How can a person be in alignment with a God of Whom he/she knows almost nothing except for John 3:16? In spite of all kinds of compromised paraphrases and electronic versions of Scripture, now more than ever, Biblical ignorance is condemning people - and people in the church - left, right and center.

To compound this deadly spiritual error is the lack of respect for God by an increasing number of Christians and no discernment whatsoever. The wacky antics of a coat-swinging Benny Hinn and dozens "collapsing in the spirit" while the cameras roll (as pre-arranged) are well known to people, but the secrets sins of a lack of repentance which leads to holiness and sober respect for God inside of churches, by both young and old, stun.  One of the meanings of the word for "Devout" which Luke 2:25 tells us that Simeon was, is circumspect. 

The dictionary describes Circumspect, in essence, as being very prudent, watchful and discreet. It also means being able to have the presence of mind to think critically and see the consequences of potential actions, where forethought of these things would lead us to make the right decisions and step out of the way of trouble.

Being a Christian who is circumspect is just being what Jesus calls us to be and do. He says in John 10:10 that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly". Therefore, we MUST be on the alert!  A devout and God-fearing follower of Christ is ALWAYS on the alert. When we let our guard down, the Holy Spirit is there to protect us and our blind sides, if we trust. 

These powerful lessons for us Christians today are all tied up in this great man, whom God blessed with a unique promise. We have a similar type of promise and it involves the same Jesus Whom Simeon held and prophesied over. All that is required is for the justified man or woman or child of God to walk fully grounded in the Bible, and to have a healthy respect, fear and love for our wonderful Father in Heaven. Just as the Lord rewarded Simeon for his lifetime of service, dedication and love for God, so will He reward any who submits to and love Him with all heart, mind, body and soul.

THE CHRISTMAS CONSOLATION - NOT A THROWAWAY PRIZE, BUT THE REAL GIFT OF HEAVEN (THE HOLY SPIRIT!)

"And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him" Luke 2:25
When we think of the word “consolation”, immediately the thoughts go to “consolation prize – a gift to someone who has not won the actual prize or reward that is offered in any particular thing. It is not like one of those participation trophies that give children, so their feelings are not hurt, but a sympathy premium for one who has failed to place in a certain contest.

In the Bible however, the word “Consolation” (in this verse) has a completely different meaning. In God’s Kingdom, the word translated “Consolation” does not mean some pity party or back up prize or anything like that. The Word God used here by the Holy Spirit Who inspired the Greek Dr. Luke to write this Gospel is “paraklesis”!

The original word for “consolation” – Paraklesis – adds an incredible dimension to the Christmas story! Contrary to what modern languages treat as an almost throwaway prize to a person who didn’t place in a race or something, God’s Word “Paraklesis” is the main prize!

The Word “Paraklesis” means “a calling to one’s aid” first of all and in essence, it means “a coming to the aid, comfort, encouragement, joy….and consolation” of someone! It is the root word of another word “Paraklete” which is the Bible word for the Holy Spirit! We know the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God Who has done just some of the following:

-      Hovered over the Face of the unformed earth (Genesis 1:1)

-      Caused a donkey to speak to a false prophet named Balaam

-      Caused Moses to write the first five books of the Bible – the Torah – the   Beginnings of mankind and the Law

-      Transported prophets like Isaiah into the very presence of God (Isaiah 6)   and Philip to lead the Ethiopian  Eunuch to the Lord andimmediately   redirect him physically to the Gaza,  dozens of miles way.

-      The Same Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, after He was crucified, died   physically and placed in a tomb. On Resurrection morning, Paraklete   raised The Alpha and Omega to visible life on earth.

With this in mind, about this unique man involved in the Christmas story, we return to Simeon and what his “waiting on the consolation really means”.  First, let’s look at Simeon. His actual Jewish name is Shimon and is similar to the man called Simon Peter, the great Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was such a great and devoted follower of Yahweh, that the Lord allowed Him the privilege of being recorded in History as the only person other than the Baby Jesus’ parents to hold the Christ child.

Mary and Joseph had made the long, probably day long trek from Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, in order that the 8 day old baby could fulfill the Law He (Jesus) wrote, to be dedicated at the Temple! (See Leviticus 12:3).  The same God, via the Paraklete – Holy Spirit, led Simeon (Shimon) into the path of this all-time special couple – Mary and Joseph, so Simeon could encounter the new baby before He was taken to the priests to be circumcised. 

What Simeon prophesied under the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, is not just profound, but forcefully emphatic of the Mission of King Jesus. In this one briefly recorded mini-passage, Simeon accomplished three things – two Kingdom-related and one very personal.

- Item 1:  On a deeply personal level, we see the reward of a faithful, devoted man of God. Here is what Simeon said after God Himself allowed Him to see God as a baby: "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30). The lesson for us today, and for ALL men and women of God, the 10% of us who have/live/promote a Biblical Worldview is this: God knows what who we are PERSONALLY and will shine His Mercy, Grace and Favor on Faithfulness. This is the true meaning of Romans 8:28a “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him".

- Item 2: The Promise of Judgment against the rebellious and enemies of God. Simeon prophesied something we know is coming, from both the very Voice of Jesus and many scripture passages throughout the entire bible.  He said in Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed". The lesson for us in this sober Christmas message from Simeon for all time, until the end of time is two-fold. We had better prepare ourselves to leave this planet at a moment’s notice by having our hearts right before God and all our sins forgiven.  Secondly, we duty bound to tell and share the urgency of this message with everyone who will listen – even those who hate God outright. While there is life, there is still hope. It is not over until it’s over, because if these rebels leave this life in their current position of estrangement from their Creator, the “sword will pierce their souls” Luke 2:35b). That sword is the Law of God which will use in their conviction and eternal punishment.

- Item 3: The Consolation was the Main Promise. Simeon held the Baby Jesus and said what the Lord wanted him to say: ",
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”(Luke 2:29-32) Then Jesus, when told the disciples who wanted Him to stay (John 16:7) "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” That Helper promised by the Savior Jesus was/is the Holy Spirit – the Paraklete, the Consolation of Israel and the Light of the Gentiles (those of us who are not Jewish born). 

The Consolation was The Main Prize…so to speak. It is not some prize we give to someone who does not win first, second or third. The Consolation is the actual Gift of God to ALL humanity and more specifically, available to all whose sins are forgiven and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for the Salvation of our souls. Amen. 

(Image Credit Here)

GREAT WOMEN OF FAITH - ANNA, FIRST BIG CITY EVANGELIST

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of

the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years,who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38).

Nothing is wasted in God's economy. Nothing in His Creation and nothing in His Word. Every word, of every phrase of every verse of every chapter of book is there for a reason and the passage above is no exception. The prophetess Anna is more than just an extra in some church Christmas program. She is given to us as an example of so many attributes we need to emulate as Christians.

God created us, each with a different and unique set of DNA, fingerprints and personality. However, there is nothing new under the sun, while under the Son - He maketh everything new! The person of Anna, writen, under Divine Authority, about by Dr. Luke, the Greek Gospel writer is a living testimony to the amazing Mind of God. Let us unpack this, thematically as well expository, as we look at this powerful woman of God.

Anna was of great age (verse 36b): In this case, it is okay to ask a woman her age!!  The only reason this is important is the evidence the Holy Spirit gives to show that Anna had been serving God for a long, long time. We see in the next phrase, she was an 84 years old widow, having been married for 7 years. Many of us have been Christians and followers of Jesus Christ for many decades, some for a few years, some just recently. But six plus decades is a long time, in anybody's language for dedicated, selfless service to the Lord. One significant noticeable thing is this - Anna lost her husband in her early 20's. Yet, unlike most, instead of being bitter and turning AWAY FROM God, she turned TO Him. We are to learn from this. We can learn that no matter how much it hurts, God is for us and is always in control. There is nothing wrong in asking our Father in Heaven "why me, Lord". But be prepared for the answer, because that answer is always geared towards strengthening our Faith and our relationship with Him, if we listen and let Him direct our future....after the appropriate period of mourning.

Anna did not depart from the Temple (verse 37a): She obviously had her own little room in the huge temple complex, which was appointed by God, where there had to be many old used scrolls of the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms. She did not spend those many years just walking around aimlessly, being only an encourager to countless women and children. According to tradition, she would not have been allowed to teach men, but praying for and ministering to others was her calling. The lesson for us here is this - we are not to depart from the modern Temple of the Lord, because the Holy Spirit Who abides in us, has fueled us up with the correct mindset to seek, pursue and acquire the Knowledge of the Holy One and we are to live under than unction all the days of our lives. This includes and precludes us following after the mystic and pagan ways of the eastern "religions" and the strange New Age doctrines of the west.

Anna served God with fastings and prayers (verse 37b): This is an interesting phrase as there is more to it than we read in the English translations, on which modern western christianity based their "theology". The word "serve" is from the original bible Greek word "latris" which literally means "hired servant". In a sense, we are all “hired servants” of the King, being Christians and bought by a price – on the Cross, by His Precious Blood. We are servants who are never fired, but are continually being fired up by the Power of the Holy Spirit – the very Spirit of God Who indwells every rejuvenated soul.  We serve Him best by being His disciples. We already know what the qualifications of a disciple is, i.e “take up your Cross and follow” Christ.

This “taking up of the Cross” is the one thing modern Christians have the biggest problem with and continues to be our downfall.  Taking up one’s Cross means total selfless commitment to the point of being a “doulos” like the Apostle Paul. Modern English translates that word “servant” to be politically correct when it literally means slave. A slave follows His Master as we should follow Christ. The commitment not only involves dying to self but following Christ in every way – in studying His Word, like Anna studied the scrolls – the same scrolls we hold in our hands when we hold a Bible. The commitment also involves daily prayer and as much as possible – fasting.  Fasting is not a concept which was done away with but a way to connect with the Lord on a deeper level, when we put aside the distractions and delicasies of daily living for a higher purpose of Christ, on occasion. This is the way we grow as disciples and emulate the great example of Anna the Prophetess.

Anna responded to God's Perfect Timing (verse 38a): Now this verse

about the great woman of faith – Anna –is so intriguing and full of meaning. First of all, we see perfect timing. It appears from Dr. Luke’s Gospel that God Himself directed first Simeon and then Anna, to His Son (in baby form) in the same encounter. But how would she know which one would be the Christ child in all the hundreds of people in the temple courtyard that day? God’s perfect timing is the only answer.  This woman had spent six decades, living in the temple under the auspices and Grace of God and had studied under the best teachers of the time, including Nicodemus and Gamaliel.  She knew the Word. She fasted and prayed and ministered as much as she ate and slept, walked and talked. In that instant, it all came together. For us, that moment was when we first knew Him as Lord and Savior – and the most exciting journey of our lives began! This is the journey with Jesus which will take us home to be with Him!

Anna became the First Big City Evangelist (verse 38b): So it no wonder, she gave thanks! Her entire life was fulfilled in the meeting and holding of the Sovereign King of the Universe –the Baby Jesus! Her words of gratitude for this honor are not recorded like Simeon, but her actions spoke more. Her gratitude for what the Lord did for her, led her to become the First Evangelist of the Christian Faith in Jerusalem. We already saw that the poor Shepherds of Bethlehem were the first pastors and evangelists but they were kept OUTSIDE the big city by the Pharisees, who did not want them in the Holy City for many reasons! They looked down on those shepherds as dirty, smelly and even thieves when these shepherds were the ones who kept all the sheep required for the Temple sacrifices! 

God revealed the Birth of the Savior to these poor Shepherds at the beginning on the jagged cold hills south of the eternal city. He then revealed the eight day old God-man to this amazing woman, Anna, who spared no time sharing the Good News of the Savior's arrival to all in the City of Jerusalem, who would listen. With whom she shared the news of the fulfillment of the Messianic Prophesy is important. Scripture said "Anna spoke of Him to all who looked for Redemption". Just like today, people felt oppressed, under stressed and distressed and full of hopelessness. Still, this great woman of Faith, who literally met the Savior as a baby boy, knew of the Hope that had arrived and told all who would listen. This laid the foundation for what took 30 years to come to fruition - the Ministry of Jesus Christ. Today, we have that same hope. So many are unable to cope and are even looking in the wrong place for their concept of Redemption, Peace, Joy, Understanding, Love, Hope and Grace. They need to look to the beautiful Face of Christ, Whom the Father allowed this unique woman to first see; surrender their lives to Him and then feel the same joy Anna saw, when she came face to Face with the Messiah two thousand years ago.

IMAGE CREDIT: HEUNING-WOMEN OF FAITH
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