Two that belong near the manger scene

By Paul Lintern, Editor, the Joyful Noiseletter

Two that belong near the manger scene

Everyone knows the first visitors to the baby King Jesus were shepherds the night he was born, and magi from the East, sometime later, maybe even a year after. They get their places in the nativity scenes, with sheep and camels as accessories.

But there are two others who came to see Jesus, or perhaps, whom Jesus came to see, who even are named in scripture.

They spoke words -- ominous words -- that would come true three decades later.

Simeon, of the southernmost tribe of Israel, was sent by God to the temple on the day that month-old Jesus was brought there to be presented to God as Mary and Joseph’s first-born male, as the law required.

Every first-born is dedicated to the Lord, so Jesus being there is not surprising, but the response of Simeon is.

He has been promised that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Messiah, and on this day the Spirit guided his way to Jesus. Simeon took the child in his arms and declared, "God's word is fulfilled, this is the messiah, I can die in peace."

He said it much more poetically, so much so that many churches quote it every time they finish with communion.

He also calls Jesus the light to the nation and the glory of God's people, Israel.

It wasn't an idle statement; Israel had been waiting for this since the time of Isaiah, 500 years earlier, and Simeon had been praying the way for a long time, trusting God at His word, and being directed by the Spirit to go and find the baby. (Did he even know Jesus was a baby?)

And then he looks at Mary and warns her that this will not be a Hallmark movie. He speaks the truth that is the path of anyone who speaks truth to evil and brings light upon those who prefer darkness.

He says that Jesus is destined to cause many to rise up and many to fall down -- his words and his ways would bring hope to many but be a threat to those who think themselves to be powerful.

And then comes the most telling statement: The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

That is for good and for evil. There will be no neutral with this little fellow, Simeon is saying. People will respond, and their actions will reveal their thoughts. He will invoke either a positive response or a negative reaction. Thirty three years (and 20 Luke chapters) later, Mary will witness that first hand, and it will pierce her soul.

Simeon prayed the way, every day, lifting everything to the Lord, until such time that he even lifted up the Lord to the Lord.

Day 42 of Jesus' earthly journey was Pray the Way in a Big Way Day for Simeon.

And who was there nearby? None-other than Anna, the prophetess (that's a lady prophet, btw). Anna, of the northernmost tribe of Israel -- Asher -- was a mainstay in the temple, never leaving the temple but always there praying. She had been a widow for 84 years, married for seven before that and even if she were married as a young teen, that puts her up over a hundred years old!

But there she was, next to Simeon at just the right time, adding praise to God and confirmation about Jesus, to whomever was looking for "the redemption of Israel."

Simeon and Anna both knew that God is listening and God is speaking. Their patience and persistence was rewarded, and their response was for your benefit.

Your eternal benefit.