Luke 2:28-33

A Marvelous Mystery

Parents can be amazed at what their children say and do.  Often they are left speechless, and wondering, “How did they do that?”

When Jesus was eight days old Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in Jerusalem. On their arrival they were met by an elderly gentleman who took the baby in his arms and began to praise the Lord. What he said regarding the child was amazing and left the parents wondering.

As I consider the words of Simeon’s song of praise, I am left with the same sense of wonder. His marvelous words provide me with the comfort and reassurance I desperately need.

Without a doubt the world in its wisdom offers many well-intentioned solutions. Unfortunately, many fail to deliver what was promised. What the Lord offers will always deliver. Even if I may not always understand his solution, I can be confident it will work for my blessing.  

My confidence comes as a result of Jesus’ precious work. Even as a tiny child, God’s promise and plan for my blessing were already in motion. My rescue from sin had begun. The light to lead me out of the darkness of death had started to shine. The glory of the Lord’s faithfulness had been revealed.

This is what the prophets promised Jesus would do. His appearance in the temple and Simeon’s song of praise signaled the promise was being kept.

Today I do not have to rely on what was promised; I can look at the accomplished fact. Not only did Jesus go to the temple, he also went to the cross, endured God’s just punishment for my sin and secured my freedom from the grave with his resurrection.

While God’s plan for my salvation may remain a marvelous mystery because I can’t explain how God the Father and his Son accomplished what they did, it still remains the foundation of my faith and my confidence of life in heaven.