A Falling and a Rising

Simeon was “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). Anna “never left the temple” (v. 37). Perhaps you can imagine her singing today’s psalm: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1). Even so, Luke hints at a sadness in these elder saints, a widow and a man “looking forward to the consolation of Israel” (v. 25). The joy both prophets show upon seeing Jesus reveals the deep longing they have been carrying in their hearts.

Perhaps we understand them. We rejoice as we gather in the Lord’s house. But even so, we long for Christ’s beauty to shine more brightly. We might bear grief over a dream long hoped-for but unfulfilled. We might yearn to see the world’s injustice, greed, and rage give way to compassion, generosity, and restoration. We might wonder why so many people reject the faith that has deeply nourished us, and long for the consolation of Christ’s salvation for ourselves, our neighbors, our communities, and the world.

Amid hope, longing, and promise, Simeon offers a warning: This child will not just lift up but will also cause to fall. He will be opposed. His mother will grieve with a sword-pierced soul. Simeon sees that Christ’s divine illumination will reveal sin. In that light, we must consider how we in our own lives have been signs opposing Christ. Have we let nostalgia cloud our perceptions of the past and present? Do we resent those who do not share our faith instead of extending a graceful witness for Jesus? Have we let our political leanings dictate how we understand the Savior’s reign of grace and truth? If we are honest, we all have parts of us that need to “fall.”

And yet, we may take heart. Yes, Jesus reveals the whole truth about us—but to bring salvation, not condemnation. He reveals our inner thoughts so they can be healed. He brings us low in humility to be raised up again by mercy. By Christ’s grace, the Holy Spirit rests on us and, in the life-giving word and soul-sustaining supper, withholds “no good thing” (Psalm 84:11) from us.