Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against." --NKJV In the name of the Child by Who's blood the world has been redeemed, amen.
Simeon says that this little Christ Child "is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel." The baby which he held in his arms was none other than the Holy God Himself. By taking on the flesh of a man God entered into this world to put into motion the plan of salvation which he developed from the beginning of the world. Jesus grew up, as a man, from infancy into adulthood. Then, for three years He walked the earth preaching about the Kingdom of God. All of this time He lived as a perfect human, completely fulfilling the Law of God on our behalf, something that no other human had done, or ever would do. Then He allowed himself to be nailed to the cross where he died a criminal's death as the sacrifice for all people of all time. And on the third day he rose from the grave, as the triumphant victor over sin, death, and hell.
Now all of this is a fact. It has already happened. The God-Man, Jesus Christ, has accomplished salvation for the entire human race. The whole world has been reconciled to God. Unfortunately, many people do not receive the benefit of this salvation because they do not believe it. In stubborn unbelief they needlessly fall into the depths of hell because they reject this wonderful gift. But those who have faith in the Savior, worked by the Holy Spirit, will reap the fruits of this precious treasure, as they rise to eternal splendor and glory to be with Him forever. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that You sent Your Son to accomplish all things for our salvation. We pray that You would keep us always from rejecting this precious gift. But send Your Holy Spirit to grant us the faith to receive this gift so that we may be partakers of the eternal joy which awaits us in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.
Copyright 2002 Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationLutheranChurch.org
Thank you to Vicar Lawson for this week's devotions.