Foundations Dec 22, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ezekiel 22-24 and 1 Pet 1

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 2:34-35 (NIV); Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

God did not choose the mother of the Lord to be faint of heart. She was a strong woman who clearly relied on God as her comfort. Her task would not be an easy one, for the child in her arms had been dedicated to the Lord from the moment His seed was planted; He WAS the Lord. Simeon’s words must have been somewhat distressing to the young mother as he looked into her eyes and predicted her future agony at the foot of the cross.

Tribulation is almost certain for those of us who are committed to following Christ. John said that whoever claims to live in Christ must walk as Jesus did (see 1 John 1:6). Jesus certainly endured suffering and therefore we can expect the same. But there is true comfort in affliction because we have a living hope (see 1 Peter 1:3-5)! Mary must have felt strangely comforted after hearing such a prophecy when she looked into the eyes of this child, in whom was pent up the power that would save even her own soul from eternal death.

We must be attentive to the reality of the battles that rage around us. When the Spirit reveals that a fire is coming, we can cling to Christ and walk through the blaze with confidence, coming out refined.

PRAYER and MEDITATION

1.       Jesus is the revealer of truth. Ask Him to examine your heart for any resentment that you may be holding towards Him or others for the trials in your life. Confess this and ask Him what He wants to say in return.

2.       When have you gone through a fire – a great trial of some sort? What did you learn through it? Ask the Lord if there is anything that He would like to reveal to you about that time and what His plans were and are.

3.       Meditate on these verses and their place in the Christmas story. Ask for new eyes and a revelation as it pertains to the birth of Christ.