Anchor My Faith

A Child Appointed for the Rise and Fall of Many

Scripture: Luke 2:33-35

Joseph and Mary listened to the words spoken by Simeon about Jesus: “And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him” (Luke 2:33 ESV). Joseph and Mary marveled at what was being said about Jesus because they did not yet fully understand the plans the Father had for Jesus. They had little idea of how Jesus was going to establish salvation or the way in which the purchase was going to be made. They had learned from the Old Testament things about the Messiah and they were hearing these same things being said about their child and so they wondered about this. They also wondered because of the various signs from God that were related to their child. The visits from Gabriel, the words of Elizabeth and Zachariah and the shepherds and now this timely meeting with Simeon and his words added to their marvel.

There was more from Simeon: “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34 – 35 ESV). Simeon asks God’s blessing on them and then speaks to Mary about her child. He states that Jesus will be a standard that will divide humanity into two parts. The haughty and arrogant who reject the salvation Jesus has come to establish will fall; they will be left to die in their sin. The humble and meek, who embrace his salvation, will be raised up and seated with Jesus in heaven.

Jesus is referred to a sign that is opposed, which foretells future opposition and persecution not only for Jesus, but also for those who identify with him. Later in his life, Jesus will say: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18 ESV). This is clearly seen today in countries of persecution. The suffering and death of Jesus on the cross will deeply afflict the soul of Mary. Mary is here forewarned and will be sustained by strong faith from God to bear the trials which Jesus will endure. As the sword pierces the side of Jesus it also pierces the soul of Mary. Both are called upon by God to suffer greatly.

Because of Jesus, many will fall and as they do hatred for the followers of Jesus will grow and thoughts of hate will surface in acts of persecution against them. A study of Christians living under persecution shows the hatred the unsaved feel toward true holiness. There is nothing that brings out expressions of underlying hate of Jesus and his followers than to tell them of Jesus Christ and their need to be forgiven for their sin. Where believers embrace Jesus as a pearl of great value and are willing to risk everything to share him with others the church grows, but where believers embrace comfort and safety, they keep Jesus to themselves and the church gradually dies as it is here in the west.

Prayer

Father, we are gradually learning more and more about who this baby Jesus is and what he is to accomplish and how he will affect humanity. It is foretold that he will divide humanity into those who are lost and those who are saved. It is foretold that those who are lost will oppose him and his followers. It is foretold that Jesus will be opposed to the point of taking his life on a cross and many of his followers will also suffer and even die. Father, what a graphic illustration of this we have in the movie, “The Insanity of God.” Father, we need to be set free from our bondage to comfort and safety and be willing to take up our cross daily. Keeping Jesus to ourselves is disobedience and is thus sin.