PrintToday's "Learning with Luke" (8)
29 December, 2012
And a sword will pierce your very soul." (Luke 2:35 NLT)
In the midst of the full flush of becoming parents for the first time (and the special aspects of that for Joseph and Mary) comes this jarring note. It is almost a footnote, an add-on, if you like. Joseph and Mary had so much to work through; events and experiences that had to be processed. For example, angels delivering unbelievable messages to both Joseph and Mary independently, the three months that Mary spent with Elizabeth, pregnancy without intercourse and now this prophecy from Simeon.
Why did Simeon have to add these few words? Was he trying to ruin the celebration? I guess we struggle with these kinds of "words from the Lord". We are glad when such prophecies are positive and speak of victories etc. As difficult as it must have been to receive this word, it must have been even harder to deliver.
However, it is important that it be both delivered and received because the day will come when that sword will pierce Mary's heart. Can you imagine how Mary might respond to that sword (whatever form that took) without this word being in her heart and mind. As painful as the sword may be, it would be far worse if she couldn't relate this word from Simeon to that "sword experience".
Let your mind now travel from Bethlehem to Calvary and see Mary witness the death of her first-born. Do you see how important it is that those few words of Simeon are now letting Mary know that this is all part of God's Master plan?
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