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.” (Luke 2:34–35, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Joseph and Mary encountered Simeon at the Temple in Jerusalem when they took Jesus “to present Him to the Lord…and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord.” (Luke 2:22–24, NIV 1984). For everything in Jesus’ life would be “in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord.” Including His own death on the cross as a sacrifice for own sins. “For the transgression of [HIs] people he was stricken… a guilt offering, [to bear] the sin of many, and [make] intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:8–9, 10, 12, NIV 1984).
As for this Simeon, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:25–26, NIV 1984). When He saw Jesus He said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared.” (Luke 2:29–31, NIV 1894).
After this, Simeon made these predictions:
Destined to cause the falling and rising of many – “For a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28–29, NIV 1984). Whether or not we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior determines whether we will rise to liv or fall to condemnation.
A sword will pierce your own soul too – “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother.” (John 19:25, NIV 1984). Nothing pierces the soul like the death of a child.
My Advice – “See [your] salvation. Rise to live.”
The Brew Is A Musing 