Luke 2:25–33

"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!'

Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him."

Jesus was the product of God's slow, patient plan over many millennia. It all boiled down to one baby, born in one stable—all of God's work in calling out and fashioning a people to whom he would reveal himself uniquely. The people failed him, again and again, so he took it upon himself to do for them what they could not do for themselves. God's plan through Jesus would not be confined to the Jews, either. This time his revelation would be for all. It's a big plan, and you're part of it! Do you know your part?

Psalm 121:1–4

"I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps."

 

The psalmist looks to the mountains, seemingly so strong and stable. Can his help come from there? No, his help comes from the One who created those mountains, and the whole earth and heavens besides! When tempted to trust only in earthly things, go deeper, to the true Source of any power and solidity there is. The One who watches over you and over all his people, constantly, without even a nanosecond of pause, is eager to come to your aid.

2 Samuel 22:26–27

"'To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.'"

 

Our perception of God is colored by our own character. God doesn't change, but our ability to perceive his character is linked to who we are. Perhaps this is why God wants us to become more and more like him: so we can know him more fully. Jesus said that to know God truly brings eternal life (John 17:3). How do you experience God? What does that say about you? What in your own character might you want to work on prayerfully? (For instance, if you struggle with his goodness, how good are you?)