The final part of our Christmas meditation quite rightly draws our attention to the Saviour. The word that God has spoken to Simeon was that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:26). This was am amazing promise, but God proves true to his word. On the day that Simeon goes into the Temple courts, responding to the impulse of the Spirit, there he sees a young couple with a new born child. They have come to fulfil the ritual requirements of the Law, and Simeon immediately recognises, perhaps to his surprise, that here is the Messiah.
This is a moment of high drama, not only for Simeon, but also for Mary and Joseph. For the first time they will hear confirmation through the lips of another human being that the child born to them really is the Messiah. Their meeting is a divine encounter, another example of the intricate planning of the Sovereign Lord. It reminds us that God can guide our steps in the normal affairs of our lives, and lead us to people in whom he is already at work.
As we imagine the scene in our mind, we can identify three descriptions of the Saviour.
Firstly, the Saviour as a child. By my calculations the baby Jesus is now about 40 days old. He was circumcised after 8 days, and the purification ritual took place after 33 days (see Leviticus 12:3-4). Here is the wonder of the incarnation – God really did appear in human flesh, and not as a grown up but as an ordinary child, subject to all the normal laws of growth and development. He is carried by his parents into the Temple, and held in Simeon’s warm embrace. He is circumcised according to custom, and presented to God as a firstborn male (Exodus 13:1-3). These things are done for him, and to him.
What condescension on the part of God, to be so limited and restricted, to appear in such weakness and vulnerability! Here indeed is a humble God, and here in the form of the Christ-child is a humble King! What an example to us of true servanthood, of placing the interests of others before our own.
Secondly, the Saviour as a light. Simeon is thrilled to have seen the Saviour for himself, but is aware that is coming is not simply for him personally, but for the whole world. This salvation has been prepared ‘in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ (v31-32)
Isaiah the prophet had long ago spoken of the coming of the Messiah in terms of light. ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.’ (Isaiah 9:2) No-one lived more deeply in such darkness than the Gentiles, those in the contemporary world who knew nothing of the God of Israel. Now, through the birth of the Saviour, a new day was dawning when they too would be able to know God personally, and people everywhere would have the opportunity to be saved. There is no need for any of us to remain in darkness. The way to God has been opened up for us as well. God wants to shine the light of life into our own personal darkness.
But this was a wonderful day for the Jewish people too, for the Saviour was born through them. Their history and experience as God’s chosen people was reaching its climax at this juncture in time, and they can rightly feel proud of their heritage. All that remains is for them to welcome the Saviour and to recognise their Messiah. This we know, sadly, was not so easy for them, either then or now. The Saviour came to his own people, but remarkably, they did not receive him.
Thirdly, the Saviour as a sign. Simeon’s prayer moves imperceptibly into a prophecy as he speaks words of blessing to the holy couple. Not only will the Child bring salvation, however, he will also bring division. ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign spoken against…’ (2:34). People will have to decide about him; they will either be for him, or against him. To those who believe he will become a cornerstone on which they can build their lives; to those who refuse him he will become a stumbling-block. See 1Peter 2:4-8.
Each of has a choice to make. Will we recognise that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour of the world? And will we take him into our arms (and into our lives) as Simeon did? Or will we reject him and turn away, as did the innkeeper?
Every Christmas we are reminded of the choice we must make. The carols we joyfully sing provide us with a way of responding: ‘O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee.’
This is no easy choice by the way. Simeon’s blessing contains a warning to Mary. ‘A sword will pierce your own soul too.’(v35) She will know the pain that only a mother can feel as her son is rejected, scorned and crucified; but she will also know the joy of his resurrection and the triumph of the eternal salvation he obtains for the whole world.
‘The child’s father and mother marvelled at was said about him.’(v33) They were filled with wonder and amazement as they began to understand what was happening. Perhaps this Christmas we can ask God to restore to us the sense of wonder and amazement that should rightly accompany our celebration of the birth of Jesus?
Why not ask God to lift your celebrations beyond the material dimension and into the spiritual realm? Be blessed as you share in this special time of year with God’s people around the globe.
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Thursday 16 December 2010
Christmas Blog 2 : The Sovereign, the Servant and the Saviour
This Christmas meditation is centred around the story in Luke 2:25-34 of the meeting of Simeon with Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple. In particular our thoughts are triggered by the prayer of Simeon in v29-30: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you know dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation….’
His prayer is addressed to the Sovereign Lord, and we have seen in the first posting something of what that means. Now we think briefly about the ascription that Simeon gives to himself as the servant.
Simeon is described as a man of simple background, an ordinary person, perhaps getting on in years, but not one of the religious hierarchy – he is neither priest nor prophet in any official sense. This however does not prevent him from being a man of God, and neither should the fact that a person is not in ‘full-time’ ministry prevent them from being significantly used by God. His greatest moment comes at the end of his life, so there is never a time when God stops using us.
Simeon is a man of sound character, described as being both righteous and devout (v25). ‘Righteous’ refers to his outer life, where he was careful to live in accordance with God’s law; ‘devout’ refers to his inner life, where he is careful to maintain a living relationship with the living God. It is always important that we keep our outer life sustained by our inner life of devotion, and that our inner life finds expression in an outer life characterised by godly living and compassionate activity. This is what we mean by the word ‘integrity’: the integration of faith to daily life.
Simeon appears as a man of strong faith. He is ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel’ (v25). Remember it has been almost 400 years since God last spoke to Israel, and many had forgotten the covenant promises, but not the godly remnant. Simeon was amongst that small band who had not lost hope, but who eagerly awaited the coming of the Christ. Faith, remember is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Such faith is well pleasing to God, and we too are called to walk by faith rather than by sight (2Corinthiams 5:7) he exhibited a ‘passionate patience’ as he waited for the Messiah.
Simeon is clearly a man of spiritual maturity. The Holy Spirit is upon him (v25), and he is hearing the voice of God through the Spirit. He is the recipient of a very special promise: that he will not die until he has seen the Christ. This is what motivates him and strengthens him. Furthermore he is sensitive to the Spirit, recognising his prompting and responding in obedience to the divine nudge to move into the Temple courts. Thus he arrives at exactly the right moment for a God arranged encounter with the young couple. How blessed we are to live in the dispensation of the Spirit, to know him as our Counsellor and Helper, to be led and guided by him! Do you long for a greater sensitivity to his workings? I know I do.
Simeon’s life seems to have been lived under the governance of God. The metaphor by which he lives is that of the servant, whose only desire is to please his Master. His whole life is at the disposal of the Sovereign Lord. He even sees the end of his life as being for God to decide. Perhaps he desires to be released from the trials of old age, but he knows he must be faithful to the end. ‘Lord, you now dismiss your servant in peace.’ (v29) There is no fear of death for those whose lives are lived solely with a view to God’s glory.
What a wonderful example Simeon sets for us. And remember, he was living under the Old Covenant! We are living under the New with so much more spiritual resource available to us, and so many more reasons to offer ourselves fully to God.
Perhaps this Christmas, as we encounter the self-giving love of God afresh, we can be moved to offer ourselves again to him in radical, sacrificial obedience? Perhaps we can decide to live, not for the blessing we can receive so much as for the blessing we can be to other people – sound in character, strong in faith and spiritually mature? Then God will be able to use us to speak words of life to those we meet, as Simeon did to Mary and Joseph.
His prayer is addressed to the Sovereign Lord, and we have seen in the first posting something of what that means. Now we think briefly about the ascription that Simeon gives to himself as the servant.
Simeon is described as a man of simple background, an ordinary person, perhaps getting on in years, but not one of the religious hierarchy – he is neither priest nor prophet in any official sense. This however does not prevent him from being a man of God, and neither should the fact that a person is not in ‘full-time’ ministry prevent them from being significantly used by God. His greatest moment comes at the end of his life, so there is never a time when God stops using us.
Simeon is a man of sound character, described as being both righteous and devout (v25). ‘Righteous’ refers to his outer life, where he was careful to live in accordance with God’s law; ‘devout’ refers to his inner life, where he is careful to maintain a living relationship with the living God. It is always important that we keep our outer life sustained by our inner life of devotion, and that our inner life finds expression in an outer life characterised by godly living and compassionate activity. This is what we mean by the word ‘integrity’: the integration of faith to daily life.
Simeon appears as a man of strong faith. He is ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel’ (v25). Remember it has been almost 400 years since God last spoke to Israel, and many had forgotten the covenant promises, but not the godly remnant. Simeon was amongst that small band who had not lost hope, but who eagerly awaited the coming of the Christ. Faith, remember is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Such faith is well pleasing to God, and we too are called to walk by faith rather than by sight (2Corinthiams 5:7) he exhibited a ‘passionate patience’ as he waited for the Messiah.
Simeon is clearly a man of spiritual maturity. The Holy Spirit is upon him (v25), and he is hearing the voice of God through the Spirit. He is the recipient of a very special promise: that he will not die until he has seen the Christ. This is what motivates him and strengthens him. Furthermore he is sensitive to the Spirit, recognising his prompting and responding in obedience to the divine nudge to move into the Temple courts. Thus he arrives at exactly the right moment for a God arranged encounter with the young couple. How blessed we are to live in the dispensation of the Spirit, to know him as our Counsellor and Helper, to be led and guided by him! Do you long for a greater sensitivity to his workings? I know I do.
Simeon’s life seems to have been lived under the governance of God. The metaphor by which he lives is that of the servant, whose only desire is to please his Master. His whole life is at the disposal of the Sovereign Lord. He even sees the end of his life as being for God to decide. Perhaps he desires to be released from the trials of old age, but he knows he must be faithful to the end. ‘Lord, you now dismiss your servant in peace.’ (v29) There is no fear of death for those whose lives are lived solely with a view to God’s glory.
What a wonderful example Simeon sets for us. And remember, he was living under the Old Covenant! We are living under the New with so much more spiritual resource available to us, and so many more reasons to offer ourselves fully to God.
Perhaps this Christmas, as we encounter the self-giving love of God afresh, we can be moved to offer ourselves again to him in radical, sacrificial obedience? Perhaps we can decide to live, not for the blessing we can receive so much as for the blessing we can be to other people – sound in character, strong in faith and spiritually mature? Then God will be able to use us to speak words of life to those we meet, as Simeon did to Mary and Joseph.
Friday 10 December 2010
Christmas Blog 1 - The Sovereign, the Servant and the Saviour
I really enjoy the Birth Stories, the accounts in Matthew and Luke describing the coming of the Saviour. They are simple and straightforward narratives, but constantly filled with wonder and surprise as The Great Event unfolds. Every year I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with the central characters, those ordinary, humble, godly men and women: Mary and Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth, and especially Simeon and Anna.
My thoughts this year have focussed on the story of Simeon and his meeting with the proud new parents in the Jerusalem Temple (Luke 2:25-34). By my reckoning this takes place about 40 days after the actual birth of Jesus, but I think we can still call it part of the Christmas Story. I am drawn to Simeon’s prayer in v29-30: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…’
Here we find three important strands drawn together – the Sovereign, the servant and the Saviour. This blog will concentrate on the person to whom Simeon directs his prayer, and his understanding of the God he so evidently worshipped and adored: the Sovereign Lord.
In Britain we are used to the notion of a sovereign who reigns because we have one, Queen Elizabeth II. She holds her position by right because of her royal descent. However, she does not rule because she has no authority to change anything. That part belongs to the Prime Minister who through Parliament can introduce laws and govern the country; but he of course does not reign because he is elected to office and can be voted out whenever there is an election. It is unusual for any one person to reign and to rule. Indeed, we can say that only God has such authority for he in both Sovereign (he reigns) and Lord (he rules).
The notion of the sovereignty of God is a fundamental belief of Christianity. In essence it means that God is in control of everything that happens, in the world of nations, in the church, and in our individual lives. He does this whilst still allowing us freewill, and by weaving together individual events (which may seem random) and a multitude of personal choices (which may not always be wise) into his overall plan and purpose. As God says through Isaiah, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so will it be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand… For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?’ (Is 14:24,27)
As we survey the various happenings in the Birth Stories there is a very real sense of God superintending and orchestrating events, like a director arranging a play, or a football manager employing match-winning tactics, or a chess grandmaster moving his pieces strategically. Things are not happening by chance but by divine design. Scriptures written long ago are being fulfilled before our eyes. A powerful Roman emperor makes a decision that causes God’s will to come to pass through the ensuing chaos and movement of thousands of people. Angelic activity increases dramatically as important news is communicated, and people have disturbing dreams that shape their responses. A star supernaturally appears in the heavens to herald a major event and provide expert guidance for distant travellers.
It is not just that these things happen, but that they happen together, according to a timetable. God’s plan has been set for centuries but in this moment it is coming to pass, when the world is ready. As Paul says, ‘But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…’ (Galatians 4:4) We are watching the Sovereign Lord at work, skilfully placing together the various pieces of the jigsaw.
But what does this have to say to us? It means firstly that our own lives are not at the mercy of chance or fate, but that there is a Guiding Hand overseeing seemingly haphazard happenings in our own circumstances. Yes, God is working out his plan for us, in his own time and in his own way, and we can rest in the knowledge that he is in control and knows what he is doing.
It means secondly that we need to live with patience, waiting for the timing of God. There is a right time for God’s promises to be worked out in our lives, and he will neither hurry nor delay. We must learn to adjust ourselves to the divine timetable.
Thirdly, if God truly is the Sovereign Lord, and if we recognise him as such, it means we must yield ourselves to his authority. We must happily take our place as his servants, and allow him to govern our lives. That was the way Simeon lived, and it is the way all who worship the Christ Child should live too. This will be the theme of our next posting.
My thoughts this year have focussed on the story of Simeon and his meeting with the proud new parents in the Jerusalem Temple (Luke 2:25-34). By my reckoning this takes place about 40 days after the actual birth of Jesus, but I think we can still call it part of the Christmas Story. I am drawn to Simeon’s prayer in v29-30: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…’
Here we find three important strands drawn together – the Sovereign, the servant and the Saviour. This blog will concentrate on the person to whom Simeon directs his prayer, and his understanding of the God he so evidently worshipped and adored: the Sovereign Lord.
In Britain we are used to the notion of a sovereign who reigns because we have one, Queen Elizabeth II. She holds her position by right because of her royal descent. However, she does not rule because she has no authority to change anything. That part belongs to the Prime Minister who through Parliament can introduce laws and govern the country; but he of course does not reign because he is elected to office and can be voted out whenever there is an election. It is unusual for any one person to reign and to rule. Indeed, we can say that only God has such authority for he in both Sovereign (he reigns) and Lord (he rules).
The notion of the sovereignty of God is a fundamental belief of Christianity. In essence it means that God is in control of everything that happens, in the world of nations, in the church, and in our individual lives. He does this whilst still allowing us freewill, and by weaving together individual events (which may seem random) and a multitude of personal choices (which may not always be wise) into his overall plan and purpose. As God says through Isaiah, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so will it be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand… For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?’ (Is 14:24,27)
As we survey the various happenings in the Birth Stories there is a very real sense of God superintending and orchestrating events, like a director arranging a play, or a football manager employing match-winning tactics, or a chess grandmaster moving his pieces strategically. Things are not happening by chance but by divine design. Scriptures written long ago are being fulfilled before our eyes. A powerful Roman emperor makes a decision that causes God’s will to come to pass through the ensuing chaos and movement of thousands of people. Angelic activity increases dramatically as important news is communicated, and people have disturbing dreams that shape their responses. A star supernaturally appears in the heavens to herald a major event and provide expert guidance for distant travellers.
It is not just that these things happen, but that they happen together, according to a timetable. God’s plan has been set for centuries but in this moment it is coming to pass, when the world is ready. As Paul says, ‘But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…’ (Galatians 4:4) We are watching the Sovereign Lord at work, skilfully placing together the various pieces of the jigsaw.
But what does this have to say to us? It means firstly that our own lives are not at the mercy of chance or fate, but that there is a Guiding Hand overseeing seemingly haphazard happenings in our own circumstances. Yes, God is working out his plan for us, in his own time and in his own way, and we can rest in the knowledge that he is in control and knows what he is doing.
It means secondly that we need to live with patience, waiting for the timing of God. There is a right time for God’s promises to be worked out in our lives, and he will neither hurry nor delay. We must learn to adjust ourselves to the divine timetable.
Thirdly, if God truly is the Sovereign Lord, and if we recognise him as such, it means we must yield ourselves to his authority. We must happily take our place as his servants, and allow him to govern our lives. That was the way Simeon lived, and it is the way all who worship the Christ Child should live too. This will be the theme of our next posting.
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