Friday, January 1, 2010
Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against ..."
BOTH CORNERSTONE AND STUMBLING BLOCK
After asking that the LORD God bless and equip the Christchild's parents to raise Him, Simeon turned to Mary with words one might describe as ominous. The Child he held in his hands was destined, set and established by God, for the falling and rising of many in Israel. Jesus the Christ would be like a stone set in a path. Some would stumble over him and be offended, while others would stand upon Him in faith.
Still today, human beings cannot face the Lord Jesus without taking a definite attitude. There are some who think little of Him, or are indifferent, feeling no need of a Savior. There are some that think themselves good enough to face the judge on the basis of their own goodness. These are the ones who fall or stumble over Him. The Spirit of God said through Peter (1 Peter 2:7-8): "Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,' and 'A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.'"
Human beings are raised up when by the grace of God the Holy Spirit grants them faith in Jesus as Son of God and their Savior. God has so blessed us, for which we are and will be eternally grateful.
The message given to Mary by Simeon is like a rose. The beautiful flower is the truth that we are freed from sin and prepared for the life to come through faith in Jesus the Christ, the baby of Bethlehem. The thorn was the portion of the message that included pain and sorrow for Mary. Yet it is through His suffering that we find peace with God.
May the shed blood of Christ always be behind our Christmas joy and hope. Amen.
