Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28; Colossians 1:9-20; Luke 2:22-40

“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” (Luke 2:34)

These words were spoken by old Simeon as he encountered baby Jesus. Eight days old, Jesus had been brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph. Where others that day would see Jesus as an ordinary child, Simeon, on whom the Holy Spirit rested, knew that the infant was the King of the world, the Messiah, whose mission was to save the world from sin and death.

But Simeon understood that not everyone in a human race, bent on being their own gods (Gen 3:5) would welcome this King or His kingdom.

In Jesus’ call for repentance and trusting faith, many would see in Jesus a threat, a stumbling block (1 Cor 1:23) that would cause them, by their rejection of Him, to fall forever away from God.

But for those open to the Word about Jesus (John 3:16-18), Jesus brings rising, resurrection, new life with God that cannot be overcome even by death.

Prayer: Father, help me to take no offense at Jesus’ kingship, and to live gratefully in His kingdom. Amen

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Daniels, Pastor of Living Water Lutheran Church, Centerville, OH.

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