The Bucket List “It had been revealed to [Simeon] … that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:26 -- Driving home, I heard a police siren. I stopped at the curb, and an officer soon appeared at my window. “Did you know you were doing forty-five miles an hour in a thirty mile zone?” he asked. “No,” I said, giving him my identification, “and this is the first time in my life that I’ve been stopped for speeding.” “In your whole life?” he said. “And it wasn’t on my bucket list,” I added, fortunate to get off with a warning. Hollywood made a comedy of two old guys who compiled a list of all the things they wanted to do before they died, or as they put it, “kicked the bucket.” Then they proceeded to do them. What if we were to make up a spiritual “bucket list”? What might we include? Reading through the Bible in a specified time period? Taking on a church job we’ve never tried? (After all, Moses was eighty when God called him to lead a nation out of slavery). How about inviting someone to church or talking about Jesus the next time we sit next to someone on a plane or in a doctor’s office? (Lord, we’re sinners, saved by Your grace. Help us be a bit more adventurous as we go about the Father’s business. Amen.) .. Luke 2:25-52 English Standard Version (ESV) 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ.27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[a] depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. The Return to Nazareth 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. The Boy Jesus in the Temple 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a days journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[c] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Fathers house?”[d] 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature[e] and in favor with God and man. Footnotes: a. Luke 2:29 Greek bondservant b. Luke 2:37 Or as a widow for eighty-four years c. Luke 2:48 Greek they d. Luke 2:49 Or about my Fathers business e. Luke 2:52 Or years … Psalm 62 English Standard Version (ESV) My Soul Waits for God Alone To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 62 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah 5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:08:02 +0000
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