daily java

Daily Java:

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (Luke 2:33-35)

Sometimes you find out more than you want to know.

Mary was excited over the birth of her child. He had been prophesied by the angel and by the shepherds and wise men as the salvation of Israel. His very name – Joshua in Hebrew, Jesus in Greek – meant God Saves. Things were going to be great.

Or at least she thought so at the time. She found out differently later.

Here was a man of God, named Simeon. About him the word says, He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. (Luke 2:25-28).

He told Mary and Joseph great and wonderful things. And then he said, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your very soul.

You can imagine a shudder going up Mary’s back. Wait. This is the Messiah, the One sent from God. What do you mean about a sword. What do you mean about deep thoughts being revealed.

Of course, Mary found out. Even though his life growing up was good and undoubtedly even, when Jesus began to preach, some did not like him. Some, in fact, didn’t like him so much that they killed him.

Wait! She cried. This is the Son of God, sent to bring humanity back to the Father. This was supposed to be a blessing. Remember the angels singing Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to men? Remember that? What do you mean a sword?

But she found out. She found out that people did not always appreciate that which they needed so desperately. They needed Jesus more than they needed anything else. But deep down, they thought they were fine without him. And they tried to get rid of him so they wouldn’t have to deal with him.

People, on the surface, are glad to know Jesus and his message. But deep down, they resist. Why? Because the devil tries everything he can to keep us where we are: lost and dying.

That is why Jeremiah 17:9 said, The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it? That is why Hebrews 4:12 says For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

God sees us and when he does, many times it hurts. Mary found this out, much to her sorrow. But then, she found out that it turned out good. Her little child died, yes, and horribly. But he also lived and magnificently.

And the scar the sword left in Mary’s soul, although still felt strongly, healed a little when she saw the risen Lord, her child, rise up to heaven to be at the right hand of God.

And she was amazed.