Luke 2:22-40: Why Does God Say The Same Thing A Second Time?

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 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.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. - Luke 2:22-40

It is interesting that Simeon's prophecy matches what Mary prophesied. Mary said: "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. " Simeon said: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel." 

First, I am so thankful that God often says the same thing twice when he tells us something, because we often don't hear it well, we don't believe it well, we don't want to hear it or we just aren't sure it is God speaking. Even Samuel needed three times before he knew it was God speaking to him in the temple (1 Sam 3) so how much more for those who aren't prophets of God.

Second, this is another reminder that the place where we typically look for answers to problems may not be where God starts to answer that problem. In fact, our assumptions may cause us to look in the wrong place. God may not use the influential or well-resourced or smart or well-educated. Just faithful. 

I think that we have to look carefully when something unexpected happens. It might just be something weird or unusual, but it might be God up to something. Mary and Joseph were paying attention: "The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him."  This comes right after Mary heard the shepherds pay her an unexpected visit and she "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:18b-19) and right before Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple teaching and she "treasured all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:51) I realize that I tend to dismiss or ignore things that are unusual or unexpected. They don't fit into my ideas, so I just shrug my shoulders and continue on with my life, when I should store them up to see if I can glimpse God at work.

Third, he used those like Simeon and Anna who waited patiently with eyes open for the signs where God was at work,. People probably thought of them as temple furniture. But they had positioned themselves  in a place where every citizen of Israel had to pass by: the temple. They didn't do anything special but they longed for God to show himself active and strong and God honored that. 

God is not quiet, but we are often not listening. I want to hear, so I have to listen.

Galatians 4:4-7: Mighty Unfair to Jesus

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. - Galatians 4:4-7

 "Because you are his sons...God has made you also an heir." That's pretty dang generous. I get the same status as Jesus, the same Spirit as Jesus and the same inheritance as Jesus. It seems unfair. Unfair to Jesus. Sure, he gets "the name above all names" and the "preeminence" but all of the practical benefits of being a child of God are mine now as well. He had to give up heaven and struggle and suffer and die. I had to get up this morning. Net result, I get all of the same things as Jesus even when I wasn't nearly as good as Jesus. That's unfair. But really, that's why he is a better person than me, because he doesn't feel the regret. I want to get to that state, where I don't count the cost of what I give away, but only the benefit received.

Psalm 148: We Have Abandoned The Chorus

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever—he issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. 

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. 

Praise the Lord. - Psalm 148

Give credit where credit is due. "Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens." The only one not praising God are some of the people. Every other part of creation has it figured out and when we praise God, we aren't the ones starting the chorus. We are merely joining what all of earth and heaven has been doing since the dawn of time.

After listing all other praisers, the author finally brings in people. Sort of a "Get with it, people! Look around! Get a clue." We seem to be lacking this innate sense of awe found in the rest of creation--this knowledge to whom we owe allegiance. We are masters of masking off our souls from the awareness of the almighty, a sort of intentional deafness to the praise around it. How is that? For 15 minutes, could I hear the chorus? For my day, could I join it?

Isaiah 9:2-7: Avoid Cheap and Easy Alternatives

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

The biggest reason to fail when carrying a heavy load is not being able to envision an end to it. If we know that we only have to carry it a bit further, we can often muster the means to persevere. But if we cannot see an end to it, we are hopeless and we cannot find the strength.

There are situations where we do not see the end and therefore we give up too early. That is truly tragic when we put our heads down in defeat when help is close enough to taste. That is what the author is talking about. They are despairing that the terrible situation that they are in will come to an end and they are becoming increasingly desperate. They are considering options, relationships and alliances that they would never have considered before because they can't see the hope. The author says, the light of a new day is coming, just over the horizon and "people living in darkness will see a great light" "shattering the yoke of the oppressor."

But what is unexpected is that this rescue is coming in the shape of a child. Promising a child means that there will be no immediate relief, but instead relief will come as the child takes on the roles that are his birthright: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and toss out the oppressors. Prematurely seeking relief from the burden, we are skipping what God promised and instead accepting a cheap and easy alternative when God's answer is coming as surely as day follows night. 

I have often been tempted to search for alternative answers. Not sure of God's timely response, I take on God's role to find and provide answers but those answers are the "cheap and easy alternative" and not as satisfying ultimately. Bear the load a little further and don't give up too early, because God's answer is around the corner.

 

Titus 2:11-15: Our Eternity Is Our Statement About God

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. - Titus 2:11-15

God is creating a new people out of all people. He offers all people a chance to be a part of the new people. But the catch is that you have to love his son more than "ungodliness and worldly passions" Eternity isn't for the people who won't enjoy spending it with God because they've already stated by their lives that they don't want the type of person Jesus is and won't like it if they become like him.  Eternity is for those who want to be like him and are "eager to do what is good"

"Offer" means that it is sitting on the table waiting for us to take it. But to say "yes" and take that offer means saying "no" to a lot of other choices. Like marriage. 

Luke 1:46-55: My Boring Life and God's Big Deal

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” - Luke 1:46-55

We all need to feel we are part of something-some story-something larger. If we don't feel it, we will make one up or co-opt the story someone else is telling.  For Mary, the first verses of her song reflect her realization that she was also a part of a story--God's story. I think there is always some point when we wonder whether the life we are living means anything-whether the troubles and triumphs of an human--one of the 36 billion humans who have ever lived and walked on planet Earth are significant or more than a breath destined to blow for a moment and then dissipate. After all, Scripture admonishes that we are mere fading flowers or withering grass.

That is why we struggle so hard to do something important. Mary could laugh at the "rulers" brought down and the rich "sent...away empty" because they missed it. But what was "it"? What then is the alternative? The alternative is to find our place within God's ongoing story--that God's story is our story too because we have joined him. That's what helped Mary, when she realized that the same story of Abraham and Israel she heard about in the synagogue Sabbath after Sabbath was also hers in a very real way. 

I think we lack imagination. We can imaging aliens and fairies and improbable romance-triangles but we can't imagine how we are a part of God's plan right where we are today. I mean I have a wife and three kids and a job in tech and a house in the suburbs. How is that so significant? I mow my lawn, my neighbor mows their lawn. I'm no big deal. But because God is a big deal and I have hitched my wagon to Jesus, I'm a part of that big deal and every day is a chance to find out what that part means today.

Mark 1:1-8: I Was Wrong, I Am Wrong, But Jesus Got Me

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” - Mark 1:1-8

The key part of John's message was confessing their sins and being baptized. Really, a big part of the gospel is realizing that we don't get it right and we won't get it right without Jesus' assistance. I think it is still as big a problem for Jesus' disciples 10 years into their walk as it is in the beginning. Something inside us wants to shout, "I am right!" For a person to stand up in front of a crowd and say, "I got it wrong and I keep getting it wrong but Jesus got me" is a humbling experience. After that, our self will try to claw its way back to "being right" over and over again because humility is not a posture that we naturally take. Sometimes it takes new forms, like "I got this one point better than that other person" or "I have found the best way of X. Why is it taking you so long?" but these forms are not about humility or even righteousness, they are about attempting to establish that we are or were right.

So that's why, in preparation for Jesus, John had to bring people to that "I am wrong" moment, not just enough for them to feel guilty (inside) but for them to feel ashamed (outside).

2 Peter 3:8-15: An Eternity Not So Jarring

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. - 2 Peter 3:8-15

What do you really want to last? Because that is what is going with you into eternity. There are none of us who will bring one asset or accomplishment into eternity. We only bring ourselves.  "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you be?"

But will we like that? I am not always sure that I would like living with myself for eternity. I'm not sure that other people would like to live with me for eternity. How is it that Jesus can offer no regret? I can see many gaps, not just in resume but in my character, which I wish were smoothed over like spackle over holes in my wall. Some of eternity will be spent, I think, in comparing the choices I made and  comparing them with the goodness of God. Even with the redeemed character of Christ living in me, there will be a dissonance and some time for resolution.

Maybe that is why the Bible reminds us to "make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." We will enjoy forever better if the dissonance is not so jarring, where the fulness of the grace of God doesn't shock when it is revealed because we have been living with it here on earth. 

Isaiah 40:1-11: The Hard Service or The Gentle Leading?

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. - Isaiah 40:1-11

If God puts us into "hard service", it is with the intention of bringing us out from the other side once we have learned what we needed to learn. Learning is not done by the nodding of your head, but by the repeated labor of hands and feet working out obedience over time. If the lesson and timing are critical, then God must use the means that will get us there before we are totally onboard. 

There are two paths, I think: the path of "hard service" where God brings us to a place where we long for his goodness because of the discrepancy between our longing and our reality and the path of "gentle leading" where God holds us close to his heart so we can feel his heartbeat. At some point, I prayed for the latter because I was sure I couldn't handle the former. Maybe I could have had the more radical transformation, but I might well have died in the metamorphosis. 

God doesn't. We falter. God doesn't. His plan is to get us to the other side, where God wins and he brings us to his "reward" and "recompense". 

Mark 13:24-37: Watch!

But in those days, following that distress, “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” - Mark 13:24-37

There are many programming tasks which are deadly to actually delivering a quality program. One of the most famous among computer engineers is "polishing the apple", also called "gilding the lily". It happens when a coder becomes obsessed with making something absolutely perfect and is never willing to go to the next step and release the product. That is: they are focused on looking down at the imperfections that they never look up to see the final goal.

In fact, he or she may become angry at the one who tells them that it is time to move on. 

We can be like that too. God has "put his servants in charge, each with their assigned task" and those tasks can consume all of our attention. But serving like that forgets the most important job of a servant: to watch what the boss is doing so that when the boss moves, the servant moves also. That's why Jesus says, "What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch'"

I think this happens because we conceive of God as static--that once we've figured out what God wants today, we think it will stay that way. We learn how to be good workers, parents, spouses today and "polish" that apple. But God is not static. He is good always but his goodness enters our lives in different ways at different times. That is why we are "followers": to see a new thing. Come with him. and he wants us to be there with him. 

"...Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Col. 3:1b)