For What Are You Looking?

 
The first week of the new year is finished.  How many resolutions have been abandoned, do  you suppose?  What if you counted one for the ever popular, growing number of people who abandon hope before they start?

     Many seemed to celebrate the exit of 2016 as much as the start of a fresh calendar.  Others are anticipating the coming events planned for this year.  What do you want to find in the new year?
 What do you hope for 2017? The future?  For what are you looking? Longing?  To whom or to what does your heart belong?

   Luke's narrative moves to some people who are seeking, looking for the consolation of Israel, the redemption of Jerusalem, the Messiah.  Simeon and Anna find Mary and Joseph in the Temple at Jerusalem.  They are excited to know this infant Jesus is the Anointed One.

    Simeon has received a promise from the Holy Spirit  Guided by the Spirit, he comes into the courtyards of the Temple.  He finds the couple and announces his satisfaction.  "Your promise is fulfilled! His eyes have seen a baby, but the eyes of faith have seen God's salvation.  The Deliverer has arrived. God is moving!

   What are the promises we are looking to experience?  Our great God has promised to never leave us alone, yet if we are not looking, we could miss His presence! He is here faithfully.  His mercies are new every morning. He hears every prayer, cares about every care.  But if we fail to look to Him,  we may feel isolated or abandoned.  Let us look with the eyes of faith.

    Simeon correctly observed that this deliverance would be for a revelation to all Gentiles, that it would come through Israel. This child being presented to God, tucked away in a small corner of the world, would shine light into the darkness.  He would deliver His people from around the world from their captivity.

    The eyes of faith have received their promise, but there are consequences.  This child will carry a target on himself. He will cause the fall of many and the rise of many others. The thoughts of mankind will be revealed.  Simeon received his promise and as a result was ready to die at peace. Others would see the promised Messiah and prefer to be destroyed. King Herod would unleash his army against the infants of the region in a desperate attempt to cling to his throne.

    As we are seeking the promises of God, it is important that we look at our hearts.  Where is our allegiance, our loyalty and values?  To what are we are clinging?  Experiencing our Savior will change us, impact our direction in life.  It will be personal.

    This year, let's see our promise(s) from God with the Spirit-aided eyes of faith.