“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘ … And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” Luke 2:34-35
Midst the excitement of that first Christmas with angels appearing and shepherds praising God, we find a prophesy of future pain. “A sword will pierce your own soul.” Yet this had not stopped the angel telling Mary, “You have found favour with God” nor from the angels telling the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy.”
It would seem that although God is beyond time and able to see past, present and future events simultaneously, he is also able to focus on a moment in our time and celebrate its significance. It’s something we need to do to too, especially at Christmas. There is much suffering and difficulty not only in our world but in our own community. Yet Christmas is a time to rejoice and celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world.
Rejoicing people are generous people. Their joy enables them to give and bless others. God, in sending Jesus, has given us the “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) which tells us that God, overflowing with joy, has given us a gift beyond description. God didn’t send Jesus because He was under an obligation to send a Saviour. Or that He was under pressure to solve the sin problem. God is Sovereign and free to do as he pleases. In choosing to shower us with such a blessing it shows us that God’s heart is full of love and joy.
In the parable of the prodigal son it is recorded that the father said to his eldest son, “But we had to celebrate and be glad.” Christmas is such a time when we have to celebrate and be glad.
This is so true, Susan. How often have people laid aside their differences in the light of His Love …
You brought Hebrews 4 to my memory… that there was another plan re: the pain that many would feel. Mary would be included … but as His mother she would feel it with a different depth on a slightly different plane ….I think that anyone who walked with Him was cut to the core … but any mother will attest to the fact that noone but a mother understands motherhood.
Can you stop and just imagine how every day of her life she was exposed to the living word of God… sharper than any two edged sword, dividing her soul and spirit and joints and marrow and knowing every intent of her heart … lol It must have been quite a ride for her … and filled with so much love …
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.”
Hebrews 4
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This is so true, Susan. How often have people laid aside their differences in the light of His Love …
You brought Hebrews 4 to my memory… that there was another plan re: the pain that many would feel. Mary would be included … but as His mother she would feel it with a different depth on a slightly different plane ….I think that anyone who walked with Him was cut to the core … but any mother will attest to the fact that noone but a mother understands motherhood.
Can you stop and just imagine how every day of her life she was exposed to the living word of God… sharper than any two edged sword, dividing her soul and spirit and joints and marrow and knowing every intent of her heart … lol It must have been quite a ride for her … and filled with so much love …
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “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.”
Hebrews 4
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Mary is an interesting character study. On one hand in John 2:5 she tells the servants at the wedding, “Do whatever he tells you.” Expecting Jesus to do something – but may be not something miraculous.
Yet on the other hand in Mark 3 Mary and Jesus’ brothers go to take charge of him, saying, “He is out of his mind,” which makes me wonder if she really knew that she was living every day exposed to the living word of God?
Mary is an interesting character study. On one hand in John 2:5 she tells the servants at the wedding, “Do whatever he tells you.” Expecting Jesus to do something – but may be not something miraculous.
Yet on the other hand in Mark 3 Mary and Jesus’ brothers go to take charge of him, saying, “He is out of his mind,” which makes me wonder if she really knew that she was living every day exposed to the living word of God?
Indeed, I’m sure they all needed to be set straight daily.
Indeed, I’m sure they all needed to be set straight daily.