As was the Jewish custom at the time, Jesus was eight days old when he was presented and dedicated at the temple. A holy man known as Simeon held him, prayed over him, and spoke of Jesus' future. He spoke of how Jesus would somehow reveal what was in the hearts of many and how a sword would pierce his mother's soul."Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.'
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Mary and Joseph were surely confused and greatly concerned by what Simeon had to say. We know that the sword indicated that Mary would endure great suffering and she probably trembled at the thought of what this might mean for the future of her son. Of course, we now know some of what she endured as she witnessed the fate of Jesus. But, what did Simeon mean by his statement about Jesus exposing what was in the hearts of many? And who are the "many" he spoke of?
Jesus said that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He said that these fruits mark the general character that is reflected in his true followers. Are these the images that people see in those who check the box of Christianity as their chosen faith? If not, what do they witness in Christians? Perceptions of Christians don't seem to align with the fruits that Jesus spoke of: polls indicate close to 90% of non-Christians see Christians as hypocritical and judgmental (interestingly, seventy-five percent believe Christians are too involved in politics). How can this be if we claim to be followers of the ultimate giver of hope to others?
In the bible, Jesus can often be found speaking many words of hope to those who many considered not worthy of receiving encouragement: a woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman who had been divorced several times, prostitutes, tax collectors, convicted thieves, and so on. Conversely, he can also be heard scorning the hypocritical ways of the religious elite or the misaligned priorities of the wealthy and powerful. Preaching at the synagogues, stopping by the temple, walking in the markets, visiting people's homes, attending parties and wedding banquets, Jesus was shining light on some interesting topics; topics that undoubtedly made those in power uncomfortable but, were a relief to those who were powerless. Those in powerful positions, who were used to receiving acclaim, praise and being treated with reverence were deeply challenged by him. He exposed, in their hearts, some of their less than charming characteristics: their want for power, self-centeredness, greed, hypocrisy. He exposed their small and limited world of self; their prison of ego needs.
There were others who were greatly relieved by Jesus' message: those society considered 'unworthy' or 'unclean' or 'sinners'. He exposed what was within their broken hearts as well: humbleness, goodness, and need of God's grace. Those are attributes that are perhaps not as readily seen or maybe not as valued by society as power, status, etc. Jesus was thought of as a threat to those in powerful positions because what he said threatened their status and power. But, he was thought of as a great friend to the 'unworthy' because he gave them hope, love, and acceptance. This was a complete spectacle and a reversal of values that was hard to avoid because the scenes often unfolded in the middle of the public square - for all to see. It got him killed by the powerful and 'religious' but, it got him held in supreme and eternal reverence by the powerless.
Today, Jesus continues to provide hope and he continues to challenge us as well. He does this in a different way because he isn't necessarily standing in the public square. Prior to ascending to heaven, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit, the great Advocate or Counselor who would come after he was gone. A great advocate who would continue his same mission: “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." This is the same Holy Spirit who continues to challenge and strengthen those who listen and believe...just as Jesus did. He asks the same questions we often don't really want to hear or perhaps those hopeful words that we really need to hear.Get this: the bible says that, the very same spirit that indwells Jesus is alive and well within each of us; God through his Holy Spirit literally resides in you and me! The bible says that God is still at work revealing what is in our hearts but, he does it a little differently than before: in stillness, in our prayers, in the silence of our souls, through those around us, in the circumstances in our lives, he speaks to us. But, we have to listen to receive him (just like Jesus did, God gives us the option of whether or not to listen). Often, he gives us a message of hope in a moment of desperation. Other times, he may challenge us. It helps to see how we react to both of these messages. Do we submit to this hope and grace available to us when things seem to be in a downward spiral? Do we react through the grasping for power, status, and notoriety when feeling prideful and full of ourselves? Are we fearful that we might lose something in the relationship with Jesus Christ? Do we feel that we may lose control in that relationship with him (are we ever really in control anyway)? Are we afraid to let go of our control or fears because they have become our identity? Or do we respond by letting go of our ego needs and submit to God in faith? Are the fruits of this submission evident in our lives? They will be when we are truly committed in this way.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, God continues to reveal what is in our hearts. In desperation he gives us hope; in self-centeredness he challenges us. When we meditate on the words / character of Jesus and seek to further understand and unite with him, we uncover those areas in our hearts where we are in need of his guidance. When we pray and listen from this position of honesty, unity and need, God will lead us to a more Christ-like condition: one in which the fruits of God are more evident in our lives.
