Never too old to meet the Messiah
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah (Luke 2:26).
Read Luke 2:22–40
Our passage today includes the wonderful story of Simeon. A man who loved and trusted the Lord God of Israel and had been promised by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. While we often picture him as quite an old man, please note that the passage does not give us any indication of his age. However, given that upon seeing the infant Jesus, he is ready and willing to die (verse 29), it would seem he has lived a full life.
As we saw yesterday, once again, the Holy Spirit is involved in moving people – this time, ensuring that Simeon is in the temple on this day that the holy family is present. The Holy Spirit is still at work moving people – and moving you.
When did you first see the Lord’s Messiah? Were you, like me, brought up in a Christian family and taught about Jesus from when you were born (and even when you were in your mother’s womb)? Were your parents moved by the Holy Spirit to baptise you as a child into the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour? Or did the Holy Spirit work in you as an adult, leading you to see who Jesus was and is? No matter your age, the Holy Spirit desires to move you towards Jesus. He wants to do this each and every day! He wants to continue to open your eyes to see that Jesus has lived the life you failed to do; he has died for you, and his resurrection proves you are forgiven.
Almighty God, forgive me when I have not heeded your Spirit’s prompting. Open my eyes and ears so that I can see and hear clearly. Keep me focused on your dear Son, Jesus. Keep moving me by your Spirit. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and also looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder. Glenn has been married to Karen for 38 years, and they have two grown sons – and their first grandchild is on the way (due March 2024).
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