Friday 9 November 2012

Friday - A Light to Lighten the nations

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, we long for Your presence this day.   We come before You now  to clear our minds of all the things that battle for our attention. We humbly sit at Your feet asking You to minister to us through Your word.

 Read   St Luke  2: 25-32

As Joseph and Mary and Jesus are in the Temple,  an elderly stranger comes up to them,  takes Jesus in his arms and says, “Lord,  now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.  A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” 
Wow!    What would you do if someone came up to you and said these words?   Most of us would be as surprised as all get out.

Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel.  The Holy Spirit had told him that he would not die until he had seen the Christ – the Messiah.     Yet,  what Simeon says is fantastic.   He says that the Messiah will be for all people – not just for God's chosen People.   This is amazing. 

Over the centuries,  Simeon’s  prayer/blessing has been used by most denominations for someone who is at the end of their life. 

Then Simeon blesses them.  He turns to Mary and says, “ This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,  and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”    Yikes.     Simeon is telling Mary that Jesus will bear hardship and because of his hardship,  her heart and soul will be hurt.    First a blessing,  then a prophecy.  

What would you do if someone came up to you today and give you a blessing and then a prophecy?  Would it dramatically change your life?  Would it upset you?  Or would you think that the person was a bit off their rocker?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus Christ,  Son of God,  let Your healing flow down upon me.   Lord Jesus Christ,  Son of God,  let Your healing spring up within me.  Lord Jesus Christ,  Son of God,  Let Your healing love enfold me.  Lord Jesus Christ,  Son of God,  let Your healing power flow through me.    Amen     (Father Simeon Weare)
Many Blessings!

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