Simeon
This Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. Luke 2:34
Aged Simeon, of whom we read yesterday, finally blessed Joseph and Mary. And then he prophesied concerning the Christ-child, saying to Mary, His mother: "Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against, (yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." - Jesus is the corner-stone of that temple of God which shall grow until the last day, His redeemed and believing Church. Those who in unbelief stumble and are offended at Him shall fall into eternal destruction. But those poor and prostrate sinners who in faith lay hold on Him, and strengthen themselves in Him, shall rise to new and eternal life. Jesus is the great sign demonstrating the grace of God toward us poor sinners. But how they spoke against Him! Think of His cross! There the sword, as prophesied, pierced deepest through the soul of Mary. When men so deny Him and speak against Him, now as before, then the thoughts, the wicked, godless thoughts of hearts, are revealed in their nakedness. Judgment Day will show this. O you that read this, let the Spirit of Jesus Christ govern you to believe in the Saviour, and to strengthen yourself in Him, and to stand in the grace of God, and to enter eternal life!
PRAYER: - Lord God, dear Heavenly Father, who through holy Simeon foretold that Christ, Your Son, is set for a fall and rising again of many in Israel, enlighten my heart, I beseech You, through Your Holy Spirit, to know Your Son Christ to be my Saviour, always to stay with Him, and to rise in Him, but not, like the blind and careless world, to stumble at Him and fall. Grant O Lord, that I may ever be a living stone of Your temple which is built on Christ, the only corner-stone, and which is Your habitation, O gracious Triune God. Amen.