Do We Understand?
Weekly Devotionals Motivated By Grace
by Matt Thompson
Luke 2:50, "But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them."
In reading Luke chapter 2, you can see that Simeon was an astounding character in the Bible. In verse 25, God's Word tells us that Simeon was "righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the HOLY SPIRIT was UPON him"! This might not strike you as extra-ordinary, but it is quite a revealing statement when you consider the fact that Jesus was only EIGHT DAYS OLD when this proclamation was issued concerning Simeon's eternal destiny! He was "righteous", therefore his eternal destination had already been determined.
You see Simeon understood EVERYTHING about who Jesus was. Simeon was LOOKING for and BEGGING God just to let him see Jesus before he left this world. God granted his wish at this baptism of Jesus, and Simeon proclaimed right then and there what he understood about Jesus in front of Jesus' earthly father and mother (verses 30 through 35)... But even they (Mary and Joseph) did not understand what Simeon was talking about...
How many of us do not fully understand who Jesus is? Many of us know and believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that He was the Son of God. We have repented of our sins to the best of our ability and accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives... Therefore, as God says He will do through His loving Grace, our eternal destiny has been determined.
Do not follow in Mary and Joseph's footsteps, but follow after Simeon. Seek the very "Mind of Christ", in all that Christ is, as you learn this and every week.
by Matt Thompson
Luke 2:50, "But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them."
In reading Luke chapter 2, you can see that Simeon was an astounding character in the Bible. In verse 25, God's Word tells us that Simeon was "righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the HOLY SPIRIT was UPON him"! This might not strike you as extra-ordinary, but it is quite a revealing statement when you consider the fact that Jesus was only EIGHT DAYS OLD when this proclamation was issued concerning Simeon's eternal destiny! He was "righteous", therefore his eternal destination had already been determined.
You see Simeon understood EVERYTHING about who Jesus was. Simeon was LOOKING for and BEGGING God just to let him see Jesus before he left this world. God granted his wish at this baptism of Jesus, and Simeon proclaimed right then and there what he understood about Jesus in front of Jesus' earthly father and mother (verses 30 through 35)... But even they (Mary and Joseph) did not understand what Simeon was talking about...
How many of us do not fully understand who Jesus is? Many of us know and believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that He was the Son of God. We have repented of our sins to the best of our ability and accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives... Therefore, as God says He will do through His loving Grace, our eternal destiny has been determined.
"But do we also understand that is only "half" of the gospel? The other half is that Christ "ROSE FROM THE DEAD", He lives today, so that we may... "LIVE"! We live spiritually for eternity, as explained by the term "eternal life"... But also, we can now live in our flesh with the freedom and POWER of God's eternal Truths!"
How many of us believe in Jesus, but fail to understand the POWER of what He has provided for us? Do we have a "joy" of our salvation that cannot be suppressed by anything? Are we really firm in all aspects of our beliefs, faith and Truths? Are we continually "shaken" in our minds by the various encounters of this hurting and dying world? Do we KNOW that the POWER OF GOD is available to us every minute of every day?
Most likely, as you participate in your daily devotionals this week, you'll encounter AMAZING things... POWERFUL Truth that to the world is no more than mystery. As you encounter these Truths this week, do not treat them as a casual, "run of the mill" devotional. Treat them as the "treasures" they are and pray to God that He will help you make these Truths a part of who you are through your understanding, enabled by The Holy Spirit. It is very easy to simply "read" about Truth, but quite another to "possess" it, and make it a part of your life.
How many of us believe in Jesus, but fail to understand the POWER of what He has provided for us? Do we have a "joy" of our salvation that cannot be suppressed by anything? Are we really firm in all aspects of our beliefs, faith and Truths? Are we continually "shaken" in our minds by the various encounters of this hurting and dying world? Do we KNOW that the POWER OF GOD is available to us every minute of every day?
Most likely, as you participate in your daily devotionals this week, you'll encounter AMAZING things... POWERFUL Truth that to the world is no more than mystery. As you encounter these Truths this week, do not treat them as a casual, "run of the mill" devotional. Treat them as the "treasures" they are and pray to God that He will help you make these Truths a part of who you are through your understanding, enabled by The Holy Spirit. It is very easy to simply "read" about Truth, but quite another to "possess" it, and make it a part of your life.
Do not follow in Mary and Joseph's footsteps, but follow after Simeon. Seek the very "Mind of Christ", in all that Christ is, as you learn this and every week.
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posted by Motivated By Grace @ 5:59 PM
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