There's a part in the Bible I have heard pastors read kinda quickly and I admit I've done it myself but there's something special there I think we have all missed. Luke 2 I hear about every year at Christmas because it's a tradition with my parents and was with my grandparents before that but we never really finish the chapter. See I was reading the part where they take Jesus to the temple for circumcision and dedication. They meet up with Simeon and this guy made a prophecy. Afterwards he says something to Mary and Joseph. Luke 2:33-35 is something special.
"Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, 'This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.'"
Here's what's interesting to me about this. See what Simeon said about people either being joyful or opposing Christ it still happens to this day. I read people's comments to things posted on Facebook and I will tell you there are people out there that as soon as someone mentions God or anything Biblical they get attacked for it. God's word is met with both joy and opposition. But I want you to see some more unique things here. Think about Jesus' life and the opposition he faced from religious leaders to the point of crucifixion. John 1 talks about the Word and then by verse 14 it tells us who that is. "So the Word became human, and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory of the Father's one and only son." See the Word is Jesus Christ.
But let me take you one step further here with what Simeon actually said. See John told us who the Word is but this is what the Word can do. Think of this in the context of Jesus Christ making people both joyful and opposed at the same time because our reactions matter here.
Hebrews 4:12-13
"For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword cutting between the soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable."
When Jesus encounters the Samaritan Woman at the well she says something to the people in her village that goes right along with what was just said in Hebrews. John 4:39 “Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” When Jesus talked to her the Word of God pierced her heart like a sword. Her innermost being was laid bare and exposed and choices had to be made. She shared him with others and thereby shared the Word and others were changed.
I talked to my friend David about all this Sunday and he brought up another aspect. Every time the Pharisees approached Jesus they tried to argue about what scripture said and he at times rebuked them. He also tried to point them in the right direction. But they never quite realized they were arguing with the Word made flesh.
Then here’s another thought. The Bible is the most widely produced book in history ever. Its the most argued over. Its the one book that is living active and changing lives. It is also going to last forever.
1 Peter 1:24-25 “As the scriptures say, ‘People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the Word of the Lord remains forever.’”
Next time you open the Bible remember you’re spending time with the Word made flesh.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes— the Jew first and also the Gentile.”
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OPraise the name/ What a beautiful name by Hillsong
