“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know-”
God with mighty works, wonders and signs is our hope for this year.
Jesus brought those in His days on earth and it had been foretold in prophesy.
“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”
Jesus, All part of God’s plan and yet known that He would be killed and not be followed as the Shepherd King but slaughtered as the sacrificial lamb.
The time of leading as the shepherd and dying as the lamb are superseded by the coming as the roaring lion of Judah and His meekness as one holding a sword.
We were left with the promise of the living Hope to pass on and if not now when, if not us who?
“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Together we are called to speak life and hope into what is ahead.
“Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? “
God does things that are echoes of what have not come yet. Our time has not yet collided with His.
Simeon walked in the Spirit hearing that he would see Jesus before he died and as a result was in the right place at the right time as was evidenced in several OT accounts where people walked in the Holy Spirit, hearing, seeing or seeming ‘drunk in ‘ before He, the Holy Spirit, had been sent to the world at Pentecost.
“And he (Simeon)came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,”
Also Anna the prophetess came upon Him at just the right time and with the understanding and knowledge she required.
“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
It is therefore possible to have part understanding of what to align to that is yet to come and not yet here.
Time was created for man but is of no constraint for God.
The Holy Spirit prepares us to meet with God and brings the opportunity. Nothing is by luck but by design. Awakened to this hope we do not miss visitations.
We lay down our business and allow ourselves to be carried or led. Our opportunities are through the door of Jesus.
There is an invite sometimes to see things that the world does not yet see and in that invite to be those to bring hope.
“After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
Hopelessness shuts people down. We are people of hope shining Christ’s light in the darkness.
“waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”
The illustration shows the Good Shepherd emanating light that pushes back the darkness coming is the Lion of Judah.
Seven Scriptures that come to mind:
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Acts 2:22-23 ESV
“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:20 ESV
“Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you. There your mother was in labour with you; there she who bore you was in labour.” Song of Solomon 8:5 ESV
“And he (Simeon)came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,”. Luke 2:27 ESV
“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 ESV
“After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.””Revelation 4:1 ESV
“waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”. Titus 2:13 ESV
The song Good Shepherd. Upper room
Lessisgreater 