Luke 2:25-30
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…” Luke 2:25-30 (NRSVUE)
As so many of you, we’ve enjoyed sponsoring students in Tanzania and Honduras to help provide for their education. Our student from Tanzania graduated and had been searching for a job the past few years, but stayed in touch after our educational financial support ended. Selling shoes would see her through difficult times while she waited for a job to come through in her chosen profession of social work. Her steadfast faith was apparent in her letters to us, never giving up hope.
Below is an excerpt from her most recent letter:
“The aim of this letter is to inform you that now am getting a job on the Government of Tanzania…to provide education to the people to know about were to report different cases like land conflict, sexual violence, children care, and so on. I would like to say thanks a lot for your support since I was in form two up to finish university. May God bless you and your family in large I don't have anything to pay to you but it's my favorite every day to pray for you as God bless the work of your hand.”
This good news about her new job brought tears to my eyes. Like Simeon in today’s scripture, our student found that God’s timing is worth the wait. Holding Jesus in his arms, Simeon was open to the Spirit and fully embraced how God revealed salvation. Waiting to see Jesus doesn’t have to be in a literal sense like in Simeon’s case. It can be as simple as noticing the quiet ways people carry Christ’s light in the world. May we all be grounded in faith while we wait for whatever it is we’re waiting for. And, be open to the element of surprise.
Question for Reflection:
- While you wait for that new job, for that medical test result, for someone to forgive you, etc., are you noticing Jesus walking right there beside you? Maybe that’s what you’ve been waiting for.
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for giving us the hope of salvation through your son, Jesus. Help us to hold him close as we go through this crazy beautiful life. Amen.
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