We shall reap if we faint not

‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light’ Isaiah 9: 2

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem very few people would have realised that ‘the light of the world’ had arrived. For sure the shepherds proclaimed his birth and all that the angel had told them but whilst ‘all who heard it were amazed’ (Luke 2: 18) I wonder how much of a long lasting impact it made on most of them.

Even when the ‘light of the world’ started his ministry in Galilee 30 years later, fulfilling the Isaiah prophecy, few could be called his followers. Most enjoyed the fruits of his ministry - the healing, miracles and provision of food – but on the day of Pentecost there were only 120 believers left of the thousands who must have been touched by the presence of Jesus amongst them.

However two old people realised who this baby was and whilst they would not have seen the outworking of the prophecy, they rejoiced over the birth of the baby. Mary and Joseph had done everything the Law required. Jesus had been circumcised and named on the eighth day and then they went to the Temple in Jerusalem, only about 5 miles from Bethlehem, to offer a sacrifice for Mary’s purification and to present the infant Jesus, as their first-born, to the Lord.

Simeon was a devout man and he was waiting for ‘the consolation of Israel’ - the Messiah. He had been promised that he would not die before he had seen him. The Holy Spirit was on Simeon so that at just the right moment he went into the temple courts to meet Mary and Joseph. Taking Jesus into his arms he rejoiced over the birth of this baby and prophesied

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’

Simeon knew this baby was the ‘light of the world’ for both Jews and Gentiles.  However whilst his coming would be good news for some, raising them up, it would not be good news for everyone. He foresaw trouble for many in Israel. Jesus would be a stumbling block for those who disbelieve. Even for Mary his mother ‘a sword will pierce your own soul too.’  I wonder if Mary remembered that as she watched the horror of her own beloved son being beaten and crucified.

At that moment, Anna an elderly prophetess, came up and realising who the child was, gave thanks and spoke to anyone who was anticipating the ‘redemption of Jerusalem.’ I wonder how many of them looked at the baby and imagined what this child might become.

These two old people are a source of inspiration for us. They had been waiting for years to see the fulfilment of their dreams, not just for themselves, but for their nation. They hadn’t given up nor had they doubted and they were not disappointed. Their hope was placed firmly in God.

Perhaps today you have been waiting for years to see the fulfilment of your dreams – the salvation of a loved one, a healing, a miracle or for revival and a great outpouring of God’s love and miracle working power in your church, community or nation.

May we, like Simeon and Anna, not give up but with fresh faith believe again that God is working on our behalf, that he has heard and is answering our prayers.

‘And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not’

Galatians 6: 9 KJV