Luke 2:22-40
Reflect
Luke’s gospel embeds Jesus within His Jewish culture. He was born into a vibrant Jewish community of faithful followers, including His parents, who kept the valued practices of the Law. In His infancy, two prophetic and devout Jews hailed Jesus’ arrival and recognized Him to be the Messiah. The faithful actions of His parents and the prophetic words spoken over Him were part of the soil and nourishment in which the Messiah grew up. For the pushback and division that Jesus would later face in his ministry by His fellow Jews, this beginning was significant. To be perfect and without sin included following the Law.
This passage also offers a perspective on life and contentment. Simeon and Anna were near the end of their lives and still serving God. Contentment is not a matter of age or energy level. It is defined by an openness to serve God and to share Him with others. Such a perspective calls for serious reflection. Luke’s gospel involves people of all ages; even the elderly have a place in the story. It is never too late to be ministered to by God, nor is it too late to minister for Him. The testimony of these witnesses adds to the collage of heavenly and earthly voices that have spoken up for Jesus. (Adapted from the NIV Application Commentary.)
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his family and his ministry.
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.