How Should We Pray?

How Should We Pray???

The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. We can find this prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and here in Luke 11:2-4.

Luke 11:2-4 says, “He said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” (NIV)

Growing up in a Presbyterian Church, I remember memorizing and reciting this prayer each and every Sunday. It was just something we did. I was always focused on getting the words right, never on what the words meant and why were they written. Why did we say this prayer every Sunday? Did this make God happy just for us to say it by rote?

The Bible teaches that God is more interested in our hearts when we pray than He is in the words that we say. When we pray, we are to pour our hearts out to God, not simply recite memorized words to God.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about evverything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

The Lord’s Prayer should be understood as an example, a pattern of how to pray. The disciples were eager to learn HOW to pray. The disciples watched Jesus pray. They were so enamored with how He prayed and was filled with the power of His prayer, that as soon as He was finished praying, they asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray”. There was something about watching Jesus pray that made them want to learn how to pray as Jesus did. The disciples sensed the closeness that Jesus had with God the Father as he prayed. They needed to learn that it is more important that they learn TO PRAY, not necessarily how to pray. Just as the disciples, our greatest need is to learn TO PRAY and TO PRAY all of our days!

The fact that Jesus taught this prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and then repeated it here in Luke shows how important it is. The fact that He did not repeat it the exact same way as in Matthew shows that it was not to be used as a precise ritual or magic formula for prayer.

“Father” is teaching us whom to address our prayers to – The Father.

“Hallowed be your name” is telling us to worship God and to praise Him for who He is.

“your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in your lives and the world. We are not praying that our own plan will turn out perfect. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not our own desires.

“give us each day our daily bread” encourages us to ask God for the things we need. Jesus shares with His disciples that they should ask for daily provisions. (Asking God daily reminds us that He wants us to seek Him every day! )

“forgive us our sins as we have also forgive everyone who sins against us” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them, and also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, “And lead us not into temptation” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.

So, again, the Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer we are to memorize and recite back to God. It is only an example of how we should be praying. Should we pray the Lord’s prayer back to God? Yes! If our heart is in it and we truly mean the words we say.

We all have days when we struggle to pray. Sometimes it is hard to have moments to sit and pray. But the good thing is that God listens to our prayers, big or small. He wants us to have conversations with Him. And thankfully when we are struggling with what to say, we have this prayer that Jesus shared to use as a model.

This week, let us commit to prayer. No matter how big or small, let us take time to have those daily conversations with the Lord. Remember, God is far more interested in our communicating with Him and speaking from our hearts than He is in the specific words we use.

Truth and Love

Today’s reading:  Luke 10, Psalm 58

Oxford Dictionaries named “post-truth” the 2016 international word of the year.   Oxford defines it as – relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.  Thinking over the past 18 months or so, are you surprised that this word is so prominent?   Think about the 2016 Presidential election, the current political climate, fake news, and countless sports figures and movie stars taking the stage in protest.  I could go on and on, but it is exhausting.  Go back and read the definition again.  Did you notice the words “personal belief”?  While our 21st century culture may not have consensus (or really care) about truth, you cannot be a follower of Jesus Christ and buy into this agenda.

Today’s scripture in Luke 10 gives us beautiful illustrations of Jesus commitment to truth and how he demonstrated it through love.  First, he sent out 72 men to prepare several towns for his visit.  According to verse 3, he knew they were going to encounter troubles.  He sent them out with supernatural power to overcome Satan and his evil ways (Luke 10:19), yet he still instructed the men to humbly come in peace and to approach those they encountered with love and gentleness.  “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.  Whatever house you enter first, say Peace be to this house” (Luke 10:3-5). “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’ “(Luke 10:8-9).

Even though Jesus sent the men to influence with love first, he also instructed them to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to truth by sternly warning those who rejected it.  But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town (Luke 10:10-12).

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 also demonstrates truth and love, just in the opposite order. When the expert asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus pointed to the truth. He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).  When the expert went on to challenge Jesus on details by asking whom he would consider a neighbor, Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.  A parable that demonstrates our responsibility to demonstrate love and compassion to others in need, regardless of their demographics.

In a person, Jesus Christ is truth and love. He doesn’t care about influencing public opinion, rather he cares about people and the life-saving grace God offers to those who put their faith in him.  Jesus Christ is the antithesis of post-truth.  Likewise, anyone who claims to have put their trust in him and is committed to following his ways must submit to his truth and act in love.

Die to Self

Luke 9:23 presents one of the greatest, direct, over-arching challenges to us in clear form. Jesus is saying, if you’re going to follow me, die to self.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

In a recent worship service, we were challenged to put everything aside apart from our focus on worshiping our heavenly father. Something was stated to the effect of “anything other than this, makes the worship about us, and not about God”.

This theme led me to once again realize that selfishness is at the root of most, if not all sin.

Selfishness manifests itself in many forms. We see people claiming to be Christ followers yet criticizing the church for preaching Biblical truth. I only see human selfishness in these arguments and it breaks my heart. Political standoffs, words of hurt, rock stars calling on Jesus but every other word points to himself or herself as someone almighty, and social media blasts clamoring on and on.

But hold on… before we get too upset over these things, do not forget that it is the ploy of the evil one to deceive and cause dissension – especially within the church. Jesus has already won. He defeated death, he defeated sin. We have love. We have the words of Jesus. We have this command:

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)

It is a dark world to spiral into when we start thinking that some other human is the problem as this leads to blame, gossip, anger, retaliation, and even hatred. We cannot fall into the trap. When we judge our enemies we become hypocrites as we are basically making it about us. Revenge is his.

Vengeance is mine, and recompense,
    for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
    and their doom comes swiftly. (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Father God, please show me where I am selfish, where I need to die to self, where I need to pick up my cross and follow you, and you alone. Amen.

Luke 9 & Psalm 57

 

The Parable of The Sower

It was the end of July and vacation bible school was wrapping up for the summer. I and about another 100 kids were packed into our small rural church listening to some guy talk about Jesus. I didn’t know much at the time but accepting Jesus just felt right. This guy speaking was asking anyone who wanted to accept Jesus into his or her hearts to come to the front. Luckily for me, I had just been up on stage playing a game for a prize so it was no big deal. I still got my brother and cousin and made sure we headed up together because we were all in it together. I remember after that church service being as excited as I was for Christmas to come that year. I don’t experience that kind of joy very much as an adult but wish I did. I was so excited that night that we spent the whole drive home calling everyone one we knew and telling them that we accepted Jesus into our hearts. Never a second thought. Sometimes I wish I could think more like that now.

Luke 8 has many stories and miracles but the one that really stuck out to me was the parable about the sower.

4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

After this parable Jesus explained to the disciples on what it meant. I really enjoyed the way the message version explains it.

 

11-12 “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.

13 “The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone.

14 “And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.

15 “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.

I can easily see these seeds in my own life. I have had times where I feel like I have been on fire and the Holy Spirit was with me. I have also had times where I choose to not listen and to ignore the love of my heavenly father. I can bet that you can relate to that too. The good news is that God is patient, God is kind, God keeps no record of wrong because he died for us. We are saved by grace and nothing we do will ever make us worthy enough to not need God. So if you feel like you are one of those seeds who fell among the thorns and there is no chance that you are good enough, I can promise you are.

God is always knocking; you just need to open the door.

I wanted to write about the day I accepted Jesus for a couple reasons. One is that even though I accepted Jesus, I truly didn’t know what it meant to have a relationship with him and that relationship suffered because of that. Secondly, I wanted to let you know that God died for all sins and will always love you. It’s not a young person thing to do. No matter how old you are, it is never too late.

Enjoy your Thursday and be praying for those seeds in your life who may have fallen into the wrong plot of land. I promise that they are never too far away to come back to God.

Give ear to my prayer, O God

Today’s Scripture reading includes Psalm 55, in which David pours out his heart as he laments over a betrayal of a close friend (possibly Absalom and/or Ahithophel – 2 Samuel 15-18).  The word betrayal presumes a deep trust was placed in a source that proved untrustworthy.   The Proverbs teach us not to have respect of persons. (Proverbs 28:21)  Our unfettered trust is placed assuredly in God alone.  The summit of the psalm is verse 22:

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Amen!  Amen!  Only He is trustworthy!  

Today’s Scripture reading also includes Luke 7, wherein the famous Centurion’s faith in Christ was chronicled.  When he was in need, he placed his trust in the one true source.  

  • Have you ever encountered a situation in your life when you immediately knew that God was the only one who could help you?  
  • What would our life be like if we did not trust in ourselves or anyone for anything but submitted everything with thanksgiving to the LORD?  

Painting:  Christ Heals the Centurion’s Servant – Ricci, Sebastiano

Questions Jesus Asked

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to serve life or destroy it?”

In schools, work, or home we can talk about the importance of questions. The importance of communication. Questions can drive learning.  We understand that in our questions we can connect with a person and get to know that persons thoughts, feelings, and experiences based on an answer.  Paul and Elder (2000) state that ‘Thinking is not driven by answers but by questions. Had no questions been asked by those who laid the foundation for a field…the field would never have developed in the first place’. In order to keep a field of thought (or a concept/topic) alive teachers have to constantly ask questions of it, rather than simply allowing that field to close down. Teachers are then able to challenge existing or established answers through questioning to challenge students’ (people’s) thinking. Jesus asks great questions! He made people question their prior beliefs. Even better, Jesus modeled and shares even better answers!

I was once given a document back on 2015 from Dr. J.K. Jones (I believe) that shared 176 questions Jesus asked. I often look at this list and think of the stories behind each question. The lives transformed from a question asked. I’ve attached it to the bottom to reflect on.  Jesus our greatest teacher asks many questions that connect with us all the time. Luke chapter 6 has a few questions and a few answers that can help guide us not only today but for our earthly lifetime until we are called back home with Him.  So if we were to do a short Q & A from this today’s reading here’s how it may go.

Q: Should we do good or evil? Serve life or destroy it?

A: Jesus heals a persons hand on the Sabbath, He changed the minds of others who focused only on the law. (verse 3-5 & 9-10)

Q: Who does Jesus call to be disciples?

A: Jesus calls everyone. From all walks of life. All Twelve apostles had a story.  They each had different backgrounds and when Jesus called them,  they listened.  Ordinary people with an extra-ordinary calling. (verse 12-16, Isaiah 45:22)

Q:  Who should we love as we align ourselves with Jesus?

A: Jesus tells us to love everyone. Our neighbor, our enemies. (verse 27-28, 35 Matthew 5:43, Romans 12:10)

Q: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

A: Jesus says do not judge, do not condemn, and forgive. (verse 37, Matthew 7:1-5)

 

The best part about our reading today and talking about the importance of questions is the knowledge that in every answer, we can say Jesus!

Dear Lord, We thank you and praise you for your love and grace. We ask for continued love and guidance always and that in the questions that are asked of us daily, we can answer Jesus.  You fill us with joy and love and you ask us to show and share this love with others. Jesus help us to understand the answer to our questions is you. We love you! Amen

 

Questions Jesus Asked (with commentary)

The First Call

Luke 5; Psalm 53

Good Monday everyone. This is Lynden writing for Jillian. When I volunteered to write for my wife this week I knew that we were returning to the gospels and was excited to revisit these teachings. I have been blessed and fortunate to write blogs for Biblejournal.net since January. During this time I have notice that the Spirit redirects my attention on a couple of specific themes. The theme that the Holy Spirit is refocusing my attention on this week is: How God Calls us for a Particular Purpose.

Reading Luke chapter 5 many times throughout my life, I have overlooked the beginning of the chapter and went directly to the miracles and healing. In this chapter, Luke being a physician and one of the most “learned” apostles goes into deep detail as he describes how the miracles were performed. In this chapter, Jesus heals a man with Leprosy and a paralyzed man. At the end of the chapter, his eating practices are in question: by eating with tax collectors and not observing fasting rituals.

As we read the beginning of the chapter, we see some “small”, yet impactful messages unfold.

Luke 5:1-11

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

  • Jesus gets on a boat, without a person in the boat. This boat belongs to Simon, later to be known as Peter. Verse 1-3
  • Jesus asks Simon to pull his boat into the water to teach. Verse 3
  • Jesus gives us clear directions to abundance and how to attain this wealth. Verse 4-7
  • Jesus allows us to be vulnerable and still creates miracles in us, when we don’t feel that we are worthy of his love and acceptance. Verse 8-11

As I read through this passage the Holy Spirit echoes familiar teachings from John 21 after the resurrection.

John 21: 4- 8

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?”They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.

Reading and reflecting on these two passages together gives me hope that Jesus is always calling his children to him. He will always show up in the easiest manner that we can recognize him and his ways will never change. It is awesome to witness that his love and directions for us are consistent and gentle.   As I close, I have an additional realization, in the passage of John 21:8 “The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[a] off.” Even though the disciples were an entire football field (100 yards), they were still able to hear him and know his voice. No matter how far we are from Him, we are always able to hear him and follow him. Be Blessed this week.

 

 

 

Go Into The Wild

Luke 4, Psalm 81

Where do you most often look for God?  Maybe its in your living room, or in your bed before you go to sleep?  It’s not important where you go, as long as you go.  There are times, however, when longer, more focused times are needed.   This practice called solitude.  Jesus did it too.  He can be seen retreating into lonely places, sometimes called the wilderness.  Today, in Luke 4, we get to witness this experience as Jesus is called into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit.

Why would the Holy Spirit call Jesus to a lonely place?  To the wilderness?  Doesn’t the wilderness seem like a bad place to be?  In the wilderness, we lose our sense of direction, fear is elevated, and attack by a predator is likely.  The answer is that he simply followed the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:4).  I can tell you that the picture in my head is wrong.  I see Jesus as an innocent child being lured into danger by the Holy Spirit.  That is totally wrong.  Instead, Jesus has one hundred percent trust in the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is leading him with one hundred percent love.  The purpose, as Richard Foster so wonderfully puts it is, “so that he could all the more fully enter the divine feast.”  Do you hear that?  The Holy Spirit is leading Jesus toward a Spiritual Feast.  It will not include physical food.  No, it will be God only – spiritual food – for the next 40 days.

What would your life look like if you spent 40 days alone, no cell phone, no TV, no internet?  40 days with God.  If you don’t know, then we are even.  I cannot imagine it either.  What I do know is that Jesus comes away full.  Not just full, but complete and perfectly equipped to be our Savior.  Here is the proof.  Think of the physical toll 40 days without food would take.  Your body is weak and lethargic.  Your mind is starved.  Your thinking  is slow and dull.  The combination of these jeopardizes every action, every decision.  The same was true for Jesus.  However, instead of giving in to the Devil’s schemes, he drew on his deep well of God’s power to hold fast.  Why?  Not because Jesus was unable to be deceived.  It was because Jesus spent enough time with God to know that nothing, absolutely nothing compared.  The Devil was not able to offer him anything better than he already had possession of.  Even better, this opportunity sets up Jesus’ ministry.  By denying the Devils worldly schemes, ”He intended to demonstrate a new kind of power, a new way of ruling. Serving, suffering, dying — these were Jesus’ messianic forms of power.” (Richard Foster)

As I read the account of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and his subsequent temptation, its easiest for me to believe that he was different than me.  That i am a mere human and he was God.  That belief confronts me with two problems.  First it denies Jesus identity as being fully human.  Second, it effectively eliminates any responsibility for me to follow the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.  That is where I too can “fully enter the divine feast.”  Will you go too?

Foster, Richard J.. Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christ. HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

One Way to the Father

Today’s reading is Luke 3 and Psalm 51.

Our family attends Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Illinois. Our mission statement is, “A fearless church of Christ followers whose ridiculous love and dangerous witness are irresistible.” As we read Luke 3, it’s hard to think of too many people who were more of a “dangerous witness” than John the Baptist. He dedicated his life to preparing the way for Jesus, and we read today how he was imprisoned and it later cost him his life by beheading.

John knew there was only one way for forgiveness of sins and one way to the Father as we read about in Psalm 51. Then, he was committed to giving others the good news of Jesus as Psalm 51:13-15 speaks of, regardless of the risks involved. We live in a world today that tells us to do whatever you “feel” like. Do whatever makes you personally happy. And anyone who doesn’t approve of it is a bigot. However, the Bible tells us there is only one way to the Father in Heaven which by believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior through his death on the cross. John felt it was critical people know Jesus was the Messiah, and we should feel and do the same today. This is the opposite of the society we live in which says you can do whatever makes you feel good, so it would only make sense that are multiple ways to get to Heaven and  if you just do more good than bad you’re in. Wrong. Jesus tells us this in John 14:6 which says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

One of my biggest take aways from a recent mission trip was when we asked people how they get to Heaven nearly every one said “be a good person.” Then, when we shared we believe there was only one way, through belief in Jesus, they would say, “yeah..that’s what I believe too,” because they would in fact call themselves a Christian! Many of them grew up in, and some even still went to, the church. How often do we have conversations with friends and family who call themselves Christians and may even go to church about what they believe? Do they know there is only one way to Heaven which is through Jesus? Do they truly believe what Jesus says in John 14:6? Let us follow the example of John the Baptist by being a dangerous witness, not only internationally and in our local communities, but also in our own homes, families, churches, and personal relationships. Even better news is that we don’t have to wear camel’s hair clothing and eat locusts and honey to do so!

Christmas in September

As we awake to this first day of fall, we have an awesome story to read. Luke 2. The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth. A fantastic and familiar story for all of us. Yet as we look at the news showing the destruction of islands, and coastlines, destruction of homes and so many lives lost, destruction of cities from Hurricanes to Earthquakes to more Hurricanes to terrorist attacks, it doesn’t seem like our moods should be happy.  It is hard to watch this devastation on TV and know so many are suffering.  However, I believe God gave us today’s verse to try to give us peace and hope. We can take a few moments and soak up the words of this special and most important story.

 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

We all have images of this very sweet and tender moment. Yet, as we look at the journey to Bethlehem, it was most likely treacherous and filled with anxiety for Mary and Joseph. Joseph was doing was what right, obeying the law and bringing his wife-to-be across the countryside to be registered. He knew the journey might be difficult, yet he persevered, only to find no room at the Inn. I’m sure at times he was scared and didn’t know what would happen to them. Here he was with Mary who was pregnant. The angel of the Lord visited him. He was following the instructions by taking Mary as his wife. How complicated it may have seemed for him. Yet, he had faith and followed the path God had outlined for him.

After the birth of baby Jesus, they were visited by shepherds and magi, celebrating the birth. Joseph then continued on the path laid out for his family.  It was time for Jesus to be consecrated as was part of the Law of Moses. I haven’t always read past the story to appreciate the miracle of Simeon:

25 Now 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 on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” 

Another sign from God. Part of the broader plan. Joseph and Mary had to be moved by all that was happening, maybe a little scared, especially when Simeon told Mary that Jesus was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against. I would have been a bit apprehensive.

Follow Simeon up with Anna, the prophet, who gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Another sign. I am certain they marveled at all that continued to transpire. As they moved forward with life and raising their son, there were many more events and interactions that occurred, including the story of Mary and Joseph finding Jesus preaching in the temple.   We don’t know all the details but another sign of what God had in store for Jesus as our savior.

Coming full circle, I hope as you read Luke 2 today, you take time to reflect on how blessed we are to have been given the story of baby Jesus. It comes during a tumultuous week, maybe for you personally, but also for our nation and for the world.  There are angels amongst the ruble such as Simeon and Anna, trying to help others move forward.  This Christmas story, along with many others, gives us hope and peace to continue to persevere and believe.  It may not give us answers as to why?, but it gives us a quiet sense of peace and calmness.  I hope you smile when you read the Christmas story on this first day of fall.  Enjoy your day!

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Psalm 50