By Joseph Ametepe
Dear Friend, Follower of Christ, and Fellow Believer in Jesus,
I thank my God and my Lord for blessing His believing people with another wonderful opportunity of celebrating the Birth of His Blessed and Beloved Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Indeed, I count it a great privilege and pleasure to be chosen, converted, commissioned, consecrated, cherished, and called to be a part of God’s great family. For this year’s celebration of GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (see 2 Corinthians 9:15) to mankind, that is, God actually becoming man in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit led me to ponder His inspired words in Luke 2:33-35. It’s a passage which can be accurately described as a passage of great blessing and great bitterness.
It’s a passage of great blessing because it specifically speaks of the divine blessing pronounced on Joseph and Mary. At the First Christmas, God, through righteous and devout Simeon, declared His great blessing upon Joseph and Mary. Indeed, one can confidently say that the most blessed people at the First Christmas, were Joseph and Mary. Simeon’s pronouncement of blessing upon them was divinely directed. Second, it’s a passage of great bitterness because it solemnly sets forth the unspeakable bitterness of soul Mary would experience in the future. Just as Simeon was specifically and succinctly directed to pronounce a blessing upon the First Christmas Couple (i.e., Joseph and Mary) at the First Christmas, so he is now solemnly and summarily led to proclaim a blunt message regarding the bitterness of soul Mary would be experiencing. You see, it was crucial for Mary to know that being the Mother of the Messiah would not be all bliss and bright. Sweet and savory. She must understand that being the Mother of the Messiah was both a great blessing and a great burden. Yes, a great bitterness of soul! Indeed, no other person in the entire world ached for Jesus’ unspeakable suffering and struggle as Mary did.
As I prayed and pored over this passage of blessing and bitterness, the Holy Spirit expressly and emphatically revealed this timeless truth to me. That is, exemption from suffering and sorrow is not necessarily enjoyed by those who are truly blessed of God. In other words, God’s blessing upon His believing children does not imply a life of uninterrupted bliss and happiness.
The account of this Christmas story which vividly depicts the truth that exemption from suffering and sorrow is not necessarily enjoyed by those who are truly blessed of God opens with the Bible’s testimony of the AMAZEMENT OF JOSEPH AND MARY. "And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him" (Luke 2:33; NASB). The First Christmas for Joseph (meaning “may [God] add”) and Mary (Greek form of Miriam – meaning “loved by Yahweh”) was full of amazing moments. Joseph and Mary did not know that that the God they believed in and belonged to, was a God of amazement. They found out for themselves that God’s ways and works are wonderful and wise beyond their imaginations. Please understand that Simeon (meaning “he hears” or “hearing”) was a total stranger to Joseph and Mary. And yet, on their first encounter at the temple, Simeon spoke about Christ with great confidence and conviction of heart. He eloquently described Jesus as the embodiment of God’s salvation that He had prepared in the presence of all peoples. Also, he exuberantly declared that Jesus is a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel (see Luke 2:29-32). Hearing Simeon, a total stranger to them, say these things about Jesus brought a sense of amazement upon them. Also, it’s possible that their sense of amazement arose from discovering that what Simeon said to them about the Christ-Child was in exact agreement to what others had earlier said about Him (see Luke 1:26-38; 1:43; 2:8-21; Matthew 1:18-25). What we learn here is that the sense of amazement Joseph and Mary experienced at the First Christmas strengthened their faith in the Lord. In fact, the theme of “amazement” featured prominently in Luke’s gospel (see Luke 2:47; 4:36; 5:9; 8:25, 56; 9:43; 11:14; 20:24; 24:22, 41). Dr. Luke seemed to enjoy relating the experience of people’s amazement at the words, works, and wonders of the Lord Jesus. Mark this well! God is in the “amazement business.” As you celebrate our Lord’s Birth this Christmas Season, live in anticipation of being amazed by the God of amazement. He will give you a fresh sense of amazement about the truth and testimony of the Birth of Christ so as to strengthen your faith in Him.
Having elaborated on the amazement of Joseph and Mary, the Bible now brings us to the point of emphasizing the APPROVAL OF GOD ON JOSEPH AND MARY. Knowing the great task ahead of Joseph and Mary in bringing up the Christ-Child, Simeon wasted no time at all in pronouncing a blessing on the couple. He sought the blessing of God upon their lives. Notice the Bible simply and succinctly says: “And Simeon blessed [eulogesen] them” (Luke 2:34a). Indeed, these are the most precious words spoken at the First Christmas. Simeon prayerfully and prophetically pronounced them blessed who had the great honor of being related to the Christ-Child. Indeed, Simeon’s prayer that God would bless Joseph and Mary was the Bible’s way of emphasizing God’s approval on them. You see, God’s approval is upon those He blesses.
Actually, Elizabeth, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:41), was the first person to pronounce a blessing on Mary at the First Christmas. She blessed both Mary and the fruit of her womb that is Christ. “Blessed [“eulogemene”] are you among women, and blessed [“eulogemenos”] is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42b). Actually, the Greek word translated “blessed” in Luke 2:34 and also in Luke 1:42; 2:28; derives from the verb “eulogeo.” It’s a compound word from “eu,” meaning “well, good;” and “logos,” meaning “word, reason.” Properly, it means, to speak well of, that is, to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon), to pronounce a consecratory blessing on, to confer what is beneficial.” Simply put, Simeon conferred on the First Christmas Couple what is beneficial – the approval of God.
Now, it’s important to recall that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon (see Luke 2:25b). Moreover, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (see Luke 2:26). Furthermore, the Bible clearly and convincingly declares that Simeon came in the Spirit into the temple when Joseph and Mary had brought in the Child Jesus to carry out the custom of the Law (see Luke 2:27). What’s the point of all these? Here it is! Simeon’s pronouncement of blessing upon Joseph and Mary was the work of the Spirit of God. As such, it made an eternal difference in their lives. More importantly, it was God’s way of expressing His divine approval on them. It’s noteworthy to observe that before Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary, he had blessed God (see Luke 2:28). There is an important spiritual principle in that order. Here it is! God uses the believer who blesses Him to bless others. You see, as Simeon lived a life of blessing God, God was pleased to use him to bless others. Sadly, today, many believers are in the habit of blaming God. And they wonder why God is not using them significantly in His kingdom work. My friend, let’s be clear about this! God will not use a “Blamer of Him” as a “Blesser of others.” God only uses those who live a life of blessing Him to bless others. My prayer for you is that you will choose to follow Simeon’s way of life; that is, blessing God and being used by Him to bless others during this Christmas Season and the rest of your life on earth.
Immediately after the blessing of the First Christmas Couple – indicating God’s approval on their lives, the Bible turns our attention to Simeon’s ADDRESS TO MARY. As a messenger commissioned by the Lord, Simeon spoke prophetically by the Spirit of God to Mary, the Mother of the Messiah. He addresses her specifically with words that clearly indicate that it was crucial for Mary to know that being the Mother of the Messiah would not be all bliss and bright. In other words, Mary needed to understand that the blessing pronounce on her doesn’t imply a life of unmixed happiness. She must understand that being the Mother of the Messiah was both a great blessing and a great burden. Simeon’s address reads: “And said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce even your own soul”” (Luke 2:34b). Please notice first of all that the address was specifically directed to Mary. This is clearly seen in these words: “And said to Mary” (Luke 2:34). Simeon had been commissioned to deliver a “hard-to-hear” message to Mary. Notice also that his address to Mary was introduced in a dramatic manner: “behold” [Greek: “idou”]. Furthermore, the details of Simeon’s address to Mary were solemnly and succinctly stated. “This Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce even your own soul” (Luke 2:34b-35a). Please notice the attention given to the Divine Child in the address to Mary. “This Child.” What we learn here is that the address centers on the Person of Jesus Christ, the One who is fully God, but became fully Man at the First Christmas. By this, Simeon was setting an example for all of God’s chosen and commissioned messengers. They must point to, preach, proclaim, present, and promote Jesus Christ in their ministry of the Word. By God’s grace, I have committed myself to proclaiming and promoting Jesus Christ in my ministry of the Word of God. Please notice also that Simeon’s address to Mary lays emphasis on the divine appointment for Christ’s life. He “is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed” (Luke 2:34). Notice that the divine appointment for Christ’s life is two-fold. First, He “is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel.” This simply means that, by God’s sovereign intent, Christ’s coming will have adverse as well advantageous effect on many in Israel. “The fall and rise of many in Israel,” can be illustrated in the way Judas rushed headlong to his ruin (see Acts 1:18), but Peter repented (see Matthew 26:75). It would be shown in the way one of the robbers blasphemed Christ on the cross, but the other believed in Him (see Luke 23:39-43). It would also be seen in the way the religious leaders rejected Christ, but sinners and prostitutes and tax collectors received Him (see Matthew 21:28-32). In brief, Jesus’ coming into the world was not intended to have a uniform effect upon all people. One Bible commentator writes: “Jesus is a like a magnet that is attractive to some, but others are repelled from Him.”
Now, let’s consider the second of the twofold divine appointment for Christ’s life. The Bible simply and solemnly says: “He is set or appointed as a sign to be opposed.” Jesus will be spoken against by those who do not submit to His rule and reign over their lives. He will be vigorously and vehemently opposed in general in every way. Literally, Jesus will be a target that people shoot at; even as it is happening in our day. You see, towards Christ there can be no neutrality. You either submit to Him or you set yourself against Him. Simeon concludes his address to Mary at the First Christmas by solemnly and soberly telling her of the affliction of her own soul. “A sword will pierce even your own soul” (Luke 2:35a). Because of Mary’s nearness to Christ and her affection for Him as His mother, and her relation to Him; her soul would be afflicted more than any of His friends. Indeed, the full meaning of the above prophecy was fulfilled when Mary stood at the Cross of Christ on Golgotha. There, a sword of great agony and affliction pierced her soul. Yes, Mary was truly blessed of God. But that didn’t imply that she would enjoy immunity from suffering and sorrow. The greatest spiritual lesson we learn from Mary’s life at the First Christmas is touching and tender. Exemption from suffering and sorrow is not necessarily enjoyed by those who are truly blessed of God. No doubt about it! Being the mother of the Messiah was a great blessing. But it was a great burden – a great affliction of soul experienced by Mary from the manger to the Cross of Christ. Because Mary had been given advance warning, she was able to thrive and triumph in the great trials that came upon her Son and her own soul. May the many advance warnings given us in God’s Word enable us also to thrive and triumph in our trials of life!
Moving from “Mary” to “many,” Simeon briefly and boldly states the divine AIM TO BE ATTAINED from his message at the First Christmas. Please notice what the Bible says in Luke 2:35b. It says: “to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35b). Knowing that God has a purpose for everything He permits or does, the Spirit revealed to Simeon the divine aim to be attained from his address to Mary. The most important word in the conclusion of Simeon’s message at the First Christmas is “revealed” [Greek: “apokalupthosin” from “apokalupto”]. “Apokalupto” means “to uncover,” “to bring to light,” “to make plain or manifest what is invisible.” Literally, it means “to remove a veil or covering exposing to open view what was before hidden.” What we learn here is that the divine aim to be attained from the preceding verse is revealing what’s hidden in the hearts of many. Their heart’s attitude toward Jesus Christ will be brought to light. It will no longer remain hidden. It will all be uncovered and brought into the open. You see, mankind has a great hidden nature, waiting to be revealed and redeemed. Jesus is the true Revealer of the hidden nature of man. And He is also the true Redeemer of man’s corrupt and depraved heart!
What a message Simeon delivered at the First Christmas! The essence of his message is an important spiritual lesson for believers today. That is, exemption from suffering and sorrow is not necessarily enjoyed by those who are truly blessed of God. Believer in Jesus, during this Christmas Season be assured of this! You are truly blessed of God because of your faith in Christ. But be also reminded that being truly blessed of God does not give you immunity from suffering, sorrow and sickness. During this special season of celebrating our Lord’s Birth, let’s live in anticipation of being amazed by the God of amazement! Let’s also live like Simeon – living a life blessing God and being used of Him to bless others with words of blessing that will make a significant difference in their lives!
With much love in Christ our Savior and Shepherd,
Joseph Ametepe, a bondservant of Jesus!