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Listen while you read: "Jesus I Come"1 (Lyrics) |
In a three-day conference on pastoral care of the elderly, Pope Francis talked about the gift that older women and men are to their communities. They are not to be thrown away but cherished as valued members of the church. He singled out Anna and Simeon for their part in the story. But did anyone listen to these old people, or were they dismissed as fools?
We follow Simeon's story as we draw to the close of the Christmas passage. It's not a long story but it's worth the telling.
Luke 2:25-32 – Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (NRSV)
This Bible passage takes us on a journey as we remember with the "old folks". The emphasis at Christmas is on the Babe of Bethlehem. Old folks now get the opportunity to confirm the birth of the Messiah.
Simeon was a righteous and devout man, who, in humble and faithful expectation, was waiting for the day when God would comfort faithful people. God had promised him, through the Holy Spirit, that he would see God's own anointed Messiah before his life ended. When that time came, he was ready to go in peace. On that day, the waiting was finally over.
Simeon is the one who tells us of fulfillment. When the time seems desperately long for the fulfillment of God's promises, Simeon reminds us that the wait is worth it. We have waited what seems a desperately long time for the return of the Christ. Let Simeon be our assurance that the wait is worth it!
Prayer: Jesus, grant me to serve You, to proclaim You, to glorify You, and to manifest You, to the very end through all the time that remains to me of life, and above all through my death. Lord Jesus, I commit to Your care my last years, and my death; do not let them impair or spoil the work I have so dreamed of achieving for You. Amen. – Author unknown
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Very beautiful prayer. Thank you. Blessings.
Thanks for the good word, Kenn. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Kenn, for this truly timely devotional. Blessings.
May 2023 be a year of good health for you and yours and may all surprises be joy-filled.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today!
Blessings.
Good to see a devotional from you today Kenn and many thanks for your good words. Blessings for writing.
Thank you so much Kenn for this reminder that “Old Folks” are a gift to their communities and are to be cherished as valued members of the church. God does comfort the faithful. Fantastic prayer, I have copied it to read many times in the days and months ahead. Blessings.
Dear Kenn,
Thank you for this good message of encouragement and hope. Let us all join in praising God for His plan and work in our lives!
God bless and keep you.
(BC)
Thanks, Kenn, for this timely prayer. The gifts are opened, the feast is shared, soon it will be just another date to be recalled. But we elders, in our shrinking sphere of influence, can see the salvation which “God has prepared for us” and take His glorious light with us into our day.
Praise God,
(BC)
Your message today Kenn reminded me when once I was accompanying my wife to check up with her cardiologist who is a practitioner of the Jewish tradition. He knew I was a retired Presbyterian pastor and very respectful of my role as a spiritual leader.
On this particular office visit with great passion he voiced joy and reverence how his waiting room hosted a Christian pastor and highly revered Jewish Rabbi at the same time! Blessings.
Good morning Kenn,
I am always grateful when my focus is drawn to Jesus is coming and to wait patiently. I really enjoyed the title you chose for your devotional. It helps to spark a reminder that we are to wait patiently and continue to spread the Good News. God has his own timeline and plan which is different and which I cannot imagine being a human. God has promised so it will happen, and my responsibility is to believe.
Thank you for including the link to the pastoral care of the elderly. Pope Francis’ message is an important one to read and believe. Blessings.
Hello,
It is my birthday and the prayer at the end of your devotional seems appropriate!
Yesterday I had two senior couples drop out to visit – the two men are 91, I think, and their wives are a bit younger. And another neighbour came to visit early yesterday morning who is also up in his 90’s and his daughter took him because he just had a mini stroke recently and he can’t drive now.
I am thankful to God that I have a place where the elderly are welcome to come and be comfortable.
Thank-you.
Thank you, Kenn. Sometimes it seems the wait is endless!
As seniors we still have a mission – reaching out to the lonely with phone calls, music. Prayer, Devotionals like these.