The 11th Day of Christmas

Posted on 21. Dec, 2009 by Jim Peters in Hearing God - Jim's Daily D

Luke 2:33-40

³³ His father and mother were amazed at (what) was said about him.

³⁴ Simeon praised them and said to Mary, his mother,

“Sure enough[1], this (little child) holds the power for the downfall and rise of many in Israel. (He is) a sign to be spoken against. ³⁵ A sword will also go through your own soul so that the thoughts of many hearts will be made known.

³⁶ (There was a) lady prophet, Hanna, Phanuel’s daughter from Asher’s tribe. She was getting on in age[2] and had lived with her husband for seven years after they got married. ³⁷ (Now) she was eighty four years old[3] and she never left the temple. (She) served night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ (At that) same time[4] she stood (there) thanking God. She (also) spoke (about) Him to all those who were expecting[5] Jerusalem’s deliverance.

³⁹ When they had done everything according to the Owner and Master’s law, they went back to Galilee, to Nazareth, their own city. ⁴⁰ The little boy grew and became strong. He filled up with wisdom, and God’s favour[6] was on him.

[1] “see/behold” [2] “days” [3] “widow eighty four years” [4] “hour” [5] “to receive to one’s self/to admit/expect the fulfillment of promises” [6] “grace/loveliness/loving-kindness/

Application

Jesus Christ holds the power of life and death over every other human being that ever lived. Simeon and Hannah recognised it. There were people there in the temple who knew he was coming and weren’t put off by the fact that he was a baby born into a poor family. We know they were poor because their sacrifice was two doves, the sacrifice for poor people who couldn’t afford a lamb.

Jesus is the answer for all those who are looking for life. He is the one who lifts me out of the pit and raises me up. He is the one who fulfils all the promises that he has made to me and he gives me undeserved favour. My position is sure because he took my punishment and I accepted his gift of freedom from guilt and shame.

I need to be one of those waiting for his return in the same way that Simeon and Hanna were waiting for his birth. I need to be speaking about his redemption and deliverance. It’s easier for me. It’s no longer prophecy but an historical event – God’s Son died for the sins of all those who will believe in him and who change their thinking from their own lusts and desires to his way.

How can I know God’s way? This is the question. How can I grow strong and be filled up with God’s wisdom so that his grace is evident in me? I feel the answer is that I need to have the Holy Spirit in me, guiding every thought and I need the word of God to transform my thinking.

Prayer

Father, I want you wisdom. I beg you for miracles in my life. I beg you for change in me. I beg you for your Spirit to rule in my family. I beg you for resources and strength to do all you call me to. I beg you to know the difference between what you want and what I want and to choose your way every time.

IJN Amen

Jim Peters

The 11th Day of Christmas

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