Worth the Wait

0:55I mean, did they really need the second baby Bijorn on this trip? This was most likely an argument that he didn't want to have. So he loaded up the bassinet and all of the other things that traveling with the newborn required, and they were ready to make the journey to Jerusalem. As we learn in verses 22 to 24, the occasion for this trip is not one of Israel's annual feasts. No, they were making this trip in obedience to the law of Moses that required Mary to make a purification. Offering after giving birth and to present Jesus to the Lord.

1:35Well, with the donkeys loaded up, they set out on their journey. The trip with a baby was slower than their previous ones, but it wasn't anything close to the worst-case scenario that Joseph might have imagined. Baby Jesus traveled really well. Perhaps arriving in Jerusalem in the evening, Mary and Joseph check into their room. They unpack with plans to head to the temple first thing in the morning. Exhausted, they quickly fall asleep. But across town, there's another man named Simeon, tossing and turning on his bed, simply too excited to fall asleep.

2:19You see, like Mary and Joseph, Simeon was a righteous Israelite, and in verse 25, we see that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel. The consolation of Israel being another way of talking about that day when God would finally deliver Israel from her enemies, bringing comfort to his people. And Simeon had good reason to be excited because what he had been waiting for was going to happen the next day. As verse 26 tells us, the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had the chance to see the Lord's Christ. That is the Messiah.

3:02Now, we're not told how long it had been since the Spirit had revealed this to him. It could have been days or weeks, or it could have been months or years. Who knows how many mornings Simeon eagerly woke up and went straight to the temple, hoping and praying that it would finally be the day that he would see the Lord's Messiah. And who knows how many evenings he went home, perhaps disappointed and discouraged at yet another day of God's promise being unfulfilled.

3:38I wonder if there were days where he simply didn't have the faith to go to the temple, afraid of getting his hopes up yet again. Regardless of how long it had been, as his head hits the pillow, he has this feeling that tomorrow is going to be different. Perhaps, just like Harry Potter, after he takes the Felix Felicis potion, he just knows that something good is going to happen. Well, waking up far earlier than normal, Simeon gets ready for the day, and he can't stop looking at the clock, waiting until he see if it's time to finally leave.

4:18Well, the time comes, and I imagine that Simeon walks a little faster to the temple this morning, hope rising with every step. As he arrives at the outer court of the temple, Temple, he eagerly scans the faces of those who were already there. And led by the Spirit, he knows that the child that he's looking for, the one that he has been waiting for, isn't there just yet. But he isn't faced. Instead, he positions himself with a great view of the entrance so that he can see everyone as they walk in.

4:54Well, meanwhile, back at the inn, it's taking Mary and Joseph a little bit longer to get out the door than they had anticipated. Something that's happened a lot since the arrival of baby Jesus. Well, finally, dressed in their temple bests, they make their way to the temple so that Mary can offer her purification offering and so that they can present Jesus to the Lord. Whatever they were expecting this morning to look like, the moment they arrive at the temple, things take the most unexpected turn. Because immediately after arriving at the temple, they are approached by a man who they later learn is Simeon. But in this moment, all that they know is that this presumably older man is making a beeline for them. And once he gets in arm's reach, he takes baby Jesus up in his arms and he begins praising God.

5:52I mean, can you imagine what would have been going through Mary and Joseph's mind in this moment? This complete stranger walks up to you, grabs your sleeve. Six or seven week-old baby, what would you have done? Well, as they're figuring out what they're going to do next, they begin to listen to what Simeon's saying about their little boy. Oh, and friends, they are absolutely amazed. Beginning in verse 29, holding their boy, Simeon praises God, saying, Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people, Israel. What's been hinted at in previous passages about this child is made clear by Simeon. Jesus will bring salvation to all peoples without distinction. No longer will salvation be primarily for the Jewish people. This child will be a light that will bring revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. This gospel message that he proclaims will have a universal reach.

7:16Shocked and stunned by this marvelous message, Mary and Joseph don't know what to say. And then they're silent. Simeon begins talking again. And what he says, once Again, it shocks Mary and Joseph, but this time for a completely different reason. Because rather than proclaiming good news of great joy, his words strike an ominous tone. This is not a happy message, but one that signals division and conflict. Verse 34, looking directly in Mary's eyes, Simeon says, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed. And a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. Far from being a hallmark movie, Simeon tells Mary that Jesus' life and ministry will be filled with conflict and division. In response to his preaching, many will fall and rise. Jesus' message will be offered to all, but not all will accept it.

8:43He'll be oppressed and rejected by his own people. And most cryptic of all, Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul, most likely referring to the pain that she will feel at Jesus' Death. These heavy words have barely sunk in before their attention is drawn to an older woman named Anna, one they've seen before at the temple. It seems like she's there every time that they visit. But this time, instead of praying, Anna steps forward, and as we see in verse 38, she begins to give thanks to God and to speak to all of the faithful Israelites who were looking forward to Jerusalem's redemption, telling everyone that it is through this baby that all of their hopes will be fulfilled. It is through Jesus that God will deliver his people and bring peace, comfort, and consolation. Jesus is the one that they have been waiting for.

9:54Well, who knows how long this whole thing lasted? Eventually, the overjoyed Simeon hands Jesus back to his parents. Anna is finished telling all who will listen about Jesus. And as the crowd begins to disperse, Mary and Joseph look at one another in disbelief, wondering what in the world just happened. Perhaps after sitting down and processing everything that was just said, eventually they stand up and go off to. Do everything that the law of God required of them. And so ends Luke's account of Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem.

10:42Now, as we consider this story, friends, we need to keep in mind that these accounts aren't in our Bible here just to provide background on Jesus. These stories aren't here just to be sentimental accounts for us about what happened to baby Jesus. No, these stories, like everything in the Gospels, they are here to show us who Jesus is and all that He will do for us. God gives us these stories to help us better see and respond to Jesus. Now, there are many things that God wants to show us in this passage, but then the rest of our time, I want to highlight what I believe are the two primary responses that God wants us to have in response to these stories. Two responses that God desires for each and every one of us as we consider who Jesus is and all that He accomplished for us in His first coming. First, friends, this passage calls us to continue marveling at the gospel message. God wants us to continue.

12:00Marveling at the gospel message. One of the things that most struck me when reading through this passage was verse 33. Here, Luke writes, after listening to the first half of Simeon's prophecy, Luke writes, and his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. That's Jesus. My first reaction was that I didn't think it was possible for anything to amaze them anymore. I mean, after all that they had seen and experienced, angels had appeared to them. Mary had experienced a miraculous conception. Shepherds come to them on the night of Jesus' birth, telling them of this wonderful heavenly vision that they had. I would have thought that they were simply unimpressible anymore. In some ways, it's almost like the rest of their lives could have been a giant letdown, as after everything that happened in the back of their minds, they would be thinking, that's not as cool as when Gabriel came to me.

13:10But that's not what we see here at all. As they heard Simeon's message, as he proclaimed that Jesus would be a light for both the Gentiles and the Jews, showing the universal reach of God's message, they are in awe. Oh, sisters and brothers, they are. Cannot get enough of it. Even after all they've seen and experienced, they continue to marvel at the reminder of who their son is and all that he will do. And it's not just Mary and Joseph. Simeon and Anna respond in the same way. In verse 28, seeing Jesus, Simeon is overjoyed. Taking Jesus up in his arms, he blesses God, marveling at who this child is and all that he will do. Simeon just can't help but burst out in praise, giving thanks to God. In verse 38, we see the same thing with Anna. Seeing the answer to years and years of fasting and prayer, Anna gives thanks to God and begins to speak about Jesus to all who would listen. She simply couldn't keep herself from praising God. And in addition to giving thanks, like a pot bubbling over, Anna's wonder and excitement at the good news of Jesus burst out of her, and she cannot help but tell everyone about it.

14:47Oh, sisters and brothers, how does your response to the gospel message compare with the saints in our passage? Hearing the good news of the Christmas season, What does your response look like? Has this message become more mundane than marvelous for you? Friends, I don't know about you, but more often than I care to admit, I find that I can hear a sermon, I can read the Bible, I can sing a song proclaiming the wonder of the gospel, the good news of all that Jesus has done for us in his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. And in response, I'm tempted to simply shrug my shoulders, to nod my head in agreement, feeling nothing. In many ways, I find that I can relate with a man named Robert Robertson. Maybe you can too. The story goes that one day, Robert Robertson boarded a carriage in London, and he hoped to be writing alone. But across the aisle from him was a young woman who was carrying in her hands a small book full of hymns and prayers. Robinson didn't feel like talking, and so they rode in silence for a few moments. And then the young woman broke the silence. She threw the book across the aisle at him, and she said excitedly to Robinson, You have got to read this. These words are beautiful. Robinson opened the book and he read the The words, come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace.

16:41Reading these words, his face sank. And this woman noticed the change in his facial expression, and she asked him, Sir, do you know these words? And he said, Miss, I wrote these words more than 25 years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds to feel today what I felt back then. Such heartbreaking, yet all too relatable words. I would give a thousand worlds to feel today what I felt back then. Can you relate with Robert Robinson? Filled with a longing to be moved by the gospel like you used to be, to marvel at the gospel in the same way that Mary and Joseph do. Well, if you can relate, friends, first know that there is no guilt or shame in admitting that at all. The very fact that you are aware of this reality is a kindness from God. To you, he is already at work, and he wants to help you to continue marveling at his gospel message. After all, at the heart of the gospel is the truth that Jesus is interceding before God the Father for us right now, praying for us, and one of the things that he is praying is that we will continue to marvel at the gospel. And in addition to praying for us, Jesus has given us practices to help us grow in our amazement of the gospel. And I want to highlight just three of them that have been helpful for me. So if you can relate and you desire to grow in your experience of amazement at the gospel, if you want to continue marveling at this gospel message, here are three practices that have been very helpful for me. First, I just want to encourage you to be regularly in the gospels. We all need to be regularly reminded of who Jesus is, what he's like, and what he's done and what he is doing for us. And this is exactly what we see in the Gospels. If your Bible reading plan doesn't have you in the Gospels every day, I would just strongly encourage you to either find a plan that does or to add in a gospel reading in addition to whatever your Bible plan has you doing. Read a paragraph or a section of the Gospels. It'll take you less than three minutes, and it will direct your gaze to your Savior every day, showing you His gracious and compassionate heart for you, revealing the depth of His love for you as you see Him approach Jerusalem, where He knows the cross awaits. So, first, regularly be in the Gospels. Second, cultivate the habit of confession. The truth is, the Gospel shines brightest against the backdrop of our sin. The Gospel is good news because of the bad news of our sin and our rebellion. And confession helps us to remember our need not only for what Christ has done for us in His death, but just as important, what He is doing for us right now, serving as our great high priest, interceding for us. And lastly, I would encourage you to pray. Consistently ask God to increase your wonder and amazement at all that He has done for you. Friends, this is a prayer that God loves to answer. If you're not sure where to start or looking for perhaps a passage or two to help you in your praying, I would strongly encourage you to consider praying Ephesians 1, verses 15 to 18.

21:01Or Ephesians 3, verses 14 to 21. These are just two helpful passages I find myself returning to over and over again, giving me words to pray. For those of you who are here who have yet to trust in Jesus, first off, I just want to thank you so much for being here. It is just a joy that you are here. And as we look at this passage, it would be unloving of me to not point out that it presents all of us with a decision. In verse 34, Simeon shows us that Jesus will cause the fall and rising of many based on their response to him. Those who oppose or reject Jesus' offer of salvation will fall in judgment. And those who respond in faith will rise as they receive God's mercy. Friends, there is no third option. So if you've yet to trust in Jesus this morning, I invite you to turn to him, to receive his grace, mercy, and forgiveness that he is freely offering you right here, right now.

22:19As this passage hints at in verses 34 and 35, we know that the baby that we just celebrated at Christmas, he doesn't stay a baby. He grows up living. Obedient life and is eventually rejected by his own people, experiencing death on the cross, where he received God's judgment for sin, causing a sword to pass through Mary's soul. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't stay dead. Three days later, he rises from the grave, ultimately ascending into heaven, where he offers himself as a gift to the Father and makes atonement for us. That is, he restores our broken relationship with God, bringing reconciliation between us and the Father. Oh, friends, this is the most marvelous news in the world. Trust in Jesus today. If you have any questions about what that means or what that looks like, I would just encourage you to talk to me, talk to anyone you've seen on stage, anyone in your row. We would love to care for you in any ways that we can. First, God wants us to continue marveling at the gospel message. That's the first response God wants us to have. But there's a second response that God desires for us this morning, and that's that we would continue looking forward to Christ's coming. One of the fascinating things about this passage is the amount of focus on Simeon and Anna's character. These verses. If you look at just that passage of scripture, verses 25 to 38, more than half of these verses, more than half of the words that Luke uses, are used to describe their character. As we read about them, one thing is absolutely clear, and that is that their lives were characterized by looking forward to Christ's coming. In verse 25, Luke tells us that Simeon is righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel's consolation, that is, Israel's restoration. This was the hope of every faithful Israelite as they looked forward to that day when God would finally deliver them, bringing comfort. And Simeon knew that it was through the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one, that God would bring this about. And so he actively waited for God to fulfill his promise. Day after day after day, he eagerly looked forward to the coming of the Christ.

25:06And we see the same thing with Anna. In verses 36 and 37, Luke goes out of his way to show us that Anna was a righteous prophetess who was looking forward to Christ's coming. After losing her husband around the age of 21, Anna remained a widow and dedicated herself to serving the Lord. At the time of our passage, she had done this for either 84 years or until she was 84 years old. The text could go either way. And in verse 37, Luke says that she did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

25:50Now, she didn't literally stay in the temple or fast and pray all day, every day. But what Luke is doing here through hyperbole is highlighting her devotion and commitment to looking forward to the coming of the Christ. This is especially true with her commitment to fasting and prayer. During this time, as the people longed for God to return and act on their behalf, to save them from their exile at the hand of the Romans, the faithful Israelites dedicated themselves to prayer and to fasting as a sign of their hope and their longing for the coming Messiah. And so by doing that day after day, she's highlighting her desire and her longing for Christ to come. Both Simeon and Anna were faithful saints whose lives were characterized by looking forward to Christ's coming. And in this passage, God's calling us to imitate their example, to imitate these faithful saints by looking forward to Christ's coming. Because just like them, friends, we are a people in waiting. Yes, Christ has come, but we know that he has promised to come again. And so God calls us to look forward, to continue looking forward and longing for that day when he returns. Friends, God is so kind to us. You see, far from being just another thing that we have to do, looking forward to Christ's return is one of the most life-giving and encouraging things that we can possibly do because we know what will happen on that day when Christ returns. On that glorious day when Jesus comes again, he will fully and finally establish his kingdom here on earth. All of heaven and earth will be restored. There will be no more pain or sorrow, sadness, or suffering. All of our struggles with sin will come to an end. We will become like Jesus as we are transformed into his image. And most glorious of all, God will dwell with us. He will be our God, and we will be his people. Friends, on that day, we will experience the greatest happiness. Imaginable. And in light of that, God calls us to look forward to that day. There are so many ways that looking forward to that day can help us today. And I think one of the primary ways that it can help us is by giving us perspective in the here and the now.

28:52As we set our eyes on Christ's return, it puts everything in perspective that we experience in the here and now. It puts it in its eternal perspective. And I think this has the ability to change everything for us, especially our experience of suffering. You see, friends, in the midst of our suffering, as we continue looking forward to that day when Christ comes again, we're reminded that things will not always be this way. As we walk through life, aware of the trials and challenges that we are facing, the reminder that Christ is coming again gives us perspective that we so need so that we can persevere. As we look forward to that day, God strengthens us today for all that we will experience. You can think of it almost like looking forward to Christ coming in in the same way that you might look forward to an upcoming vacation or break from school. In the weeks leading up to the church, Up to Christmas break, my kiddos were counting down the days until Christmas break would finally come. Friends, this week my kids were counting down the days until spring break would come.

30:12And why did they do that? Why do we do that? Why do we look forward to coming breaks? Well, because of the hope of that coming break can strengthen us and help us to get through what we're going to be going through today. Right? Looking forward can give us the strength that we need. It can help us to persevere knowing that hope is coming. A break is coming. And in the same way, the reminder that Christ is coming again, and when he comes, all of our suffering will come to an end. It is meant to strengthen us today, to help us to be faithful, to do the next right thing, no matter what we're facing. Oh, friends, without this hope, our suffering will only increase. I mean, think of facing another day of school or work with no end in sight. No Christmas break, no spring break, no summer break. Oh, it would crush us. We would just simply want to throw up our hands and quit. But God doesn't want that for us. And so he calls us to continue looking forward to his coming, giving us hope in the here and now so that we can keep going.

31:30Where do you need this hope right now? What are you experiencing that has you tempted to throw in the towel? Maybe you're experiencing a marriage or parenting struggle. Maybe you're experiencing mental or physical health challenges. Maybe there are financial troubles for you. Perhaps you feel discouraged in your fight against sin. Or maybe you're tempted to hopelessness or anger towards God as you experience unfulfilled hopes and longings for good things. Whatever it is for you, friends, do not give up hope. Imitate Simeon and Anna and the faithful saints of old as you continue looking forward to Christ's coming. Regularly pray, Maranatha, Lord, come quickly. Schedule time, perhaps once a week on your Sabbath, to remember that Christ will return and reflect on the joy that that will be and let it strengthen you for today.

32:43Encourage one another with this truth that one day seeing Christ face to face, all of our struggles and suffering will feel light and momentary. In light of who Christ is and all that he has done. Let us be the type of people who continue looking forward in hope to the day when he will come again. Friends, pray with me. Oh, Father, we are so grateful for your care for us. Lord, we are so grateful for the example of these faithful saints that you have given us, that you have called us to imitate, that we might become more like Jesus.

33:37Father, as we consider the wonderful, glorious gospel message that we have seen and heard, oh, Spirit of God, I pray that you would give us the grace that you know we need, Lord, to live in the good of this gospel message, that we might continue marveling, and that we might continue looking forward, no matter what our circumstances are. Lord, may we be the type of people who marvel and who look forward, receiving much grace from you as we do.

34:10Oh, Father, give us the faith to believe what we've heard and the grace to live in the good of it. Amen. Thank you for listening to the sermon audio from New Life Baptist Church in College Station, Texas. For more information or to support our ministry, visit us online at New York. New life CS dot net.