Luke 2:25-32
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we continue to follow Mary and Joseph as they dedicate Jesus in Jerusalem, read Luke 2:25-32 noting anything that stands out.
The first word spoken by God after 400 years was a Living Word that shattered the silence with the cry of a baby. Simeon had lived his entire life during the time of God’s silence, but he was steadfast in his faith in God - so much so that the Holy Spirit was “upon him.” It may be that when angelic messengers started arriving on earth to give news of first John’s and then Jesus’ births, Simeon also received a message from God. We don’t know how exactly God revealed that Simeon would see the Messiah in his lifetime, but we do know that Simeon was listening and expectant.
Stop to examine your own walk with God. If you are a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in you always. How are you listening for God, and how expectant are you that God will speak to you? Share your thoughts about this with Jesus.
Read Luke 2:25-32 again zeroing in on the events of “that day” in Simeon’s life.
Earlier we delved into Luke’s simple words, “at that time,” that preceded the story of God’s divine providence over earthly events which culminated in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. In this passage we see God moving “at that time” to bless an individual person.
Simeon was listening and expectant, and as a result the Holy Spirit was able to lead him to the temple that day. And because of Simeon’s lifelong, steadfast faith in God, he was allowed to hold the Savior of the World in his arms.
Think again about your own faith in God. Just as God came in quietness and obscurity, the Holy Spirit’s guidance is usually a faint nudge or a perceived whisper. It is easy to miss unless you are attentive.
How are you seeking to grow in your ability to recognize the presence of the Spirit of Jesus in you, and what are doing to grow in your ability to hear the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit?
As you near the end of this time of reflection, sit with these two questions and listen carefully for Jesus. Stay with this for at least minute or two – set a timer if that helps you relax into listening.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do or do differently today?
How will you respond?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
