“And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary, His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel—and for a Sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed’.”
Luke 2:34-35
Just as beautiful, fragrant roses have thorns the prick our fingers, so often do God’s richest blessings have pain that pierce our soul.
Life’s certainly a mixed bag, isn’t it? Full of ups-and-downs. . .highs-and-lows. . .joys and sorrows. . .victories and defeats, etc. No wonder Solomon addressed this in Eccl. 3:1-9, reminding us of the various “seasons and purposes” in life.
Today’s Manna is truly a poignant one, worthy of our careful contemplation. Although we really know nothing of Simeon except what’s listed in Luke’s account (vv.25-35), it’s clear He was filled and led by the Holy Spirit (vv.25-27). Thus, we must believe his prophecy of Jesus’ Purpose in coming and the “pain that would pierce Mary’s soul” (vv.30-35) were Spirit-directed; otherwise, his words would have seemed quite offensive and insensitive to this mother, who was still basking in the joy of her baby’s birth.
There’s no doubt Jesus would be a blessing—both then and now. He came to bring God’s Salvation and to be “a Light to lighten the eyes of the Gentiles and to be the Glory of God’s People, Israel” (v.32). This was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Is. 9:2, which the Apostle John picked up on when he wrote his Gospel (Jn. 1:4-9; 3:19-21; 5:35; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9-10; 12:35-36, 46).
But, even as “Joseph and Mary were marveling at his words” (v.33), no doubt they were taken back a bit as he said “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel—and for a Sign which shall be spoken against.”
What kind of paradoxical, harsh words were these be spoken to those celebrating the birth of their baby? What did Simeon mean about “the fall and rising again of many and a Sign to be spoken against”? Was Jesus going to be a troublemaker? Would He become the object of ridicule and scorn?
Little did they realize the implications of Simeon’s prophecy; yet, some 30-33 years later they would as He traveled around fulfilling His Mission here on earth. And, we can rest assured that Mary likely caught her breath when he said “Yea, a sword shall also pierce through your own soul.” Again, there was no way for her to know that this probably referred to Jesus’ agonizing death on the Cross and her having to watch her beloved Son suffer and die (Jn. 19:26).
So often God’s greatest blessings are accompanied by our greatest times of pain and agony. Yet, it’s in those times that we experience God’s sufficient Grace and feel His Presence the most. Even if you’re going through a difficult time right now, dear Pilgrim, just remember the Lord Jesus is “a very Present Help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1) and has promised to “never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b). Therefore, rest in Him and give thanks—confident that piercing pain will soon give way to perpetual praise as you remember His Love for you.
December 29, 2012
