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For mine eyes have seen thy salvation
Luke 2:30 Anna and Simeon received the gift of sight. They saw a baby being dedicated to God and they recognized him as the salvation of the world. That they saw into the kingdom not only was a testimony to their faithfulness and dedication, but a rebuke to all those who did not see. That they saw was proof that we can see if we forsake the world, deny ourselves, and take up the cross. The world is full of empty promises. We get so caught up in things, good things; that we miss the blessings of God and fritter our lives away on hollow things, things that will not amount to anything at the last judgment. The world would have indicted them for wasting their time in prayer and fasting and in looking for the consolation of Israel rather than making money and spending their time on movies, dinner engagements, bars, buying clothes and gadgets, vacations, and sports. So the world does not see but remains asleep and dead in transgressions and sin and unless we allow the spirit of God to have his way in our lives and crucify the flesh, we, too, will miss the coming of our salvation. When Simeon and Anna saw the Messiah no one was expecting him. When the Messiah comes again for his church the world will still be marrying and given in marriage, eating and drinking, and being caught up in all the ordinary things of the natural life. Many in the church will not see the second coming of Christ because they did not pay the price or sacrifice the natural life for the kingdom. To have the sight of Simeon and Anna requires being considered a fool for Christ, of wasting one’s time in prayer and fasting and anticipation of his return. To have spiritual sight requires the sacrifice of the natural life and the desire for self-realization for the glory of the kingdom. Many in the church will not see because they did not choose the things of God over the things of the world. They will not see because they used the church for commercial self interest rather than a life of poverty and self-denial. Anna and Simeon were poor in the eyes of the world but rich in the things of the kingdom. Where is your wealth? What do you desire? What will you see? Do you have sight to recognize the Messiah when he comes? It takes the expulsive power of a new affection to overcome culture and conditioning and a value system in complete opposition to the kingdom of God. Initially it requires much effort to build character. But as we mature in the Lord the work becomes effortless and gratifying. Initially we have to cut off the eye or hand, the good things of the world to receive the things of the kingdom. Initially it is a maimed life: one that the world would not give a nickel to buy, a life of no material value, a life that the world rejects like they did the Messiah. But if we accept what the scripture teaches by faith, then what we will gain is spiritual sight. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. To see is to gain the kingdom and to receive the consolation of Christ. Open our eyes Lord that we may see and value the things you value and sacrifice the world for your kingdom and the peace of Jerusalem. Amen. |