Today I had some very negative conversations at work about various situations that exist in our school. I don’t think things are that bad, but I definitely got the impression that other people think they are. This, coupled with the fact that I haven’t exactly been the nicest person today, all has me looking for a little light. I think I know where to look.
Amy and I ate dinner on the balcony tonight. Our balcony faces west, and we can see the sun set over the city each evening, with the Space Needle near the right side of our view. I took a few moments after we finished eating to pray and think about the day. I felt God speaking to me of Christ in that moment, with this passage on the tip of my brain lobes:
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. “
“A light for revelation for the Gentiles.” That’s us.
Father, sometimes I feel as if I am being sucked into a world that only has computers, that I am withdrawing from life for periods of time that are too long. Help me to shine with light as Christ, in the real world, and to not lose myself in the light of my laptop screen, but to find myself in Your Light.I am ragged and worn today, and there are many miles to go before I sleep. Help me to live with grace, speech seasoned tastefully, with the people closest to me. Forgive my heart that desires power and victory in conflict over humility, peace, love, and the path of wisdom. Turn me again, Jesus, as you turned Peter back to Yourself.
Random because it’s real, folks. Nothing to see here…
You’re real?
Dang…
That’s probably why I like you & your blog so much.
Although I just mentally and physically cringed when I had to click the “40-50″ radio button for your survey.
Dang again…
Eternal God,
What he said.
Amen.
Thanks Justin.
Justin-
You’re shining a lot more light out through that laptop than what’s shining on you, bro!
Thanks,
Ted
Thanks. In retrospect, I always see that these days are at the end of a string of days with no time spent in scripture or prayer. Definitely a correlation there, even though it’s not a direct cause-effect between reading the bible and having a good day.
I see old Simeon watching from the shadows, listening to the priest chant the ancient words of the Bris Milah, the ritual circumcision that acknowledges the covenant between God and Israel. It is here that Mary and Joseph give Jesus his name, the name that they had received from the angel.
The Holy Spirit whispers something to Simeon — this is the One, Simeon! — and he hurries to Mary, takes the Christ from her and lifts him towards God as he speaks his prophetic words: “salvation,” “light,” “revelation,” “glory to your people Israel.”
I wish I saw Jesus every day through the eyes of Simeon instead of these jaded eyes that have seen it and read it all before. Lord Jesus, let me see the glory of Christ and your light of salvation in every face at every moment of every day. Amen, and thanks for your honesty, Justin.