Simeon had an important function to fulfill as the Christmas story unfolded.
The Lord wanted this holy man to speak to the excited parents, Mary and Joseph, concerning their son, Jesus. He indeed said some extraordinary things—about the child—that amazed Mary and Joseph.
Then Simeon spoke directly to Mary, and warned her that the child would be “spoken against” and—because of Him—a sword would pierce her heart.
Surely Mary was at least puzzled—and likely very troubled—by the comments. Only when standing at the foot of her Son’s cross would she feel the full impact of the godly man’s prophesy.
So Simeon gently prepared Mary for the extraordinarily painful time when her sinless Son would be crucified.
When medical specialists are reasonably certain the patient is going to succumb to the disease, they might say something like “We can’t be sure what will happen until further tests have been done.” In such a situation the family sees possible hope while the doctors see confirmation coming from new tests. It is a merciful way to deal with the matter.
In life we do have times when the Lord gives us signals that the future contains trouble, and we should not be surprised when adversity rises on our horizon.
Among the very unwise things Job’s comforters said, there were a few statements that were actually wise. Job 5:7 NIV
“Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.”
When providence seems to be telling us that stormy days are ahead of us, we need to prepare ourselves for the yet unseen trouble.
Seeking wise counsel, studying the promises of Scripture addressed to afflicted people, increasing our daily prayer times, and faithful attendance at church are among the ways to guard our hearts and help us draw close to the Lord.
If the Lord has spoken to you, as He spoke to Mary, seek to draw as close to Him as possible to find refuge and help in your time of special need. He will not forsake you but will use the difficulty to shape you more and more into the image of His Son. Come close to the Lord and come now.
