Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Luke 2:21-40


Dear Luke,
I certainly understand the healthy skepticism with which you view this account of the shepherds.  It is not how you or I would have planned it, and shepherds are hardly the most reliable source around, but I assure you that I, too, have had this event certified by many others.  At this point, it would take credible evidence for me to not believe the story.  I should warn you, Luke, that God is only warming up.  The individuals that God chooses to highlight and use in this tale are not the types that we might choose for a story about the Messiah.  There are surprises around every corner, and some of the main characters in the story are unable to even consider the matter’s truth due to the unexpected individuals who play a starring role.  You must try and set aside your expectations when you enter into this story, or else you will spend your entire investigation on the defensive.  Try and consider this with an open mind and a willing heart; your patience will reward you in this endeavor.
Let us move forward from the miraculous birth of the child.  Many other tales regarding the birth swirl about, some which are true and others which may have more legend than fact, but I feel that it is best for us to move forward, to another incredible event, one that took place at the time for the boy’s presentation in temple.  Jesus was being raised as a Jewish boy according to the rituals and customs of the faith, so he would not be unfamiliar with the rites and rituals.  He was circumcised on the eighth day and named Jesus, the same name given to Mary by the angel Gabriel.  No one should be able to debate whether he was rooted in the Jewish tradition.
At the time for the purification, Joseph and Mary brought the boy to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.  You and I know, and surely Mary did as well, how odd this must seem—presenting God’s child to God, but the law states that this is the proper treatment for the firstborn, and so they followed the tradition.  Being poor, their offering was only two pigeons to sacrifice.  Again, you and I think it odd that Jesus was born into poverty.  We would choose a family wealthy enough to at least afford a lamb to sacrifice.  Just set those questions aside, Luke—it will all be made clear later, I assure you.
The odd part of the story appears at this moment.  Who knows how many thousands of dedications occur in the temple each year, but this one was different.  There was a righteous, devout man named Simeon, a man who eagerly awaited the fulfillment of all the promises that have been made to Israel through the prophets of old.  Somehow along the way, God had revealed to Simeon that Simeon would not die until his eyes had rested upon the Messiah.  I do not know how this promise was made (perhaps it was our angel friend!), but it was common knowledge that Simeon believed the promise to be true.  I wonder if those who surrounded him believed it or not.
Regardless, Simeon was led by God to arrive in the temple that day, and when Mary and Joseph brought the child to fulfill the law, Simeon wrapped him up in his aged arms and began to praise God, much to the surprise and amazement of all, not least his parents!  Simeon’s words have been recorded:
God, your servant can now go in peace, by your word; I have seen your salvation, which you have made ready before all, glory for your chosen people, Israel, and a light even to the Gentiles.
Simeon blessed those who stared at him with open mouths, and then he turned to Mary and continued, just for her:  Countless in Israel will be lifted up and shattered because of this child.  He will find many adversaries, and the secret thoughts of many will be exposed to the world.  Your own soul will be pierced as well.
Curious words, I know, but a story such as this one has far reaching repercussions, and no one can hear it and not react to it.   Fortunately, we are not finished with oddities that occurred in the temple that morning.
A prophet named Anna appears as well.  Phanuel (from the tribe of Asher) was her father, and she was very old.  She had been married for seven years, but was a widow until now, when she was 84.  It’s hard to believe, but she was in the temple constantly worshipping and fasting and praying.  She, too, came forward and began to praise God, talking about Jesus to all who were present, each one wondering about the fulfillment of the prophecies regarding the salvation of Israel. 
I can only imagine how charged the atmosphere in the temple must have been.  Stories must have emanated from that place for months about what happened there.  No one would have expected these poor parents, with only two pigeons to offer, to create such a stir.  And one could say they didn’t—that they were merely the vessels through which God was creating waves in the world.  It began even before the child was born, and obviously continues to this day, as we discuss these very things.
After all that was required had been completed, Mary and Joseph returned to Galilee, to Nazareth, their home.  The child grew strong and wise, and clearly God’s favor rested on him. 
I hope this is not all too wonderful for you to take in, Luke.  I hope that it confirms the suspicions you have about the child, that he is not just an ordinary child who becomes an ordinary man.  May your curiosity lead you deeper into the tale, and may your questioning heart be still and listen for answers.
Sincerely,
Theophilus

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