The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
A funny thing happened on the way to the New Testament. I was praying about our readings and telling God how much I was looking forward to the New Testament when suddenly I found myself in tears. I was trying to explain to Him that although I love the story of Jesus and find the New Testament full of so many pieces of life advice, I was going to miss the Old Testament. Because God spoke there. He made His presence felt there. He held us in the palm of His hand there. He called us His treasured possession, His delight, the apple of His eye. How could you not miss that? Of course, I was acting like I would never be able to read the Old Testament again and I felt a bit foolish about it, but it just tugged at my heart so to be leaving Him behind. . So now you know that I am a dork. But I did wonder if any of you felt the same way.
Okay, on to the readings. (Don't forget to check out Bev's new blog where she'll be doing the cover to cover, New Testament recap.)
One of the things that I love so much about the early chapters of Luke and Matthew are the glimpses of the baby Jesus. As a mom, I can so relate to the love that His parents had for this Child. I picture Mary cuddling baby Jesus and wondering what life would hold for Him. This song is from "the beginners Bible" and is one of my favorites. (we had it sung at Jonathan's baby dedication.) It is supposed to be Mary singing to Jesus.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Another of my favorite stories is that of Simeon.
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!”
Luke 2:25-32
I love the picture of a faithful man, righteous and devout, waiting for his Messiah. Ron Dicianni has a picture called "Simeon's Moment" that is one of my favorites. (It seems that this must be Karen's Favorites week!) One of the things that I love about it is the outline of the world superimposed over Simeon and baby Jesus. I love how the world is no longer dark where Jesus is. (can you tell that I am a visual person?)
Wouldn't you have loved to be in the temple that day?
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40
One of the wonderful things about reading scripture (especially familiar scriptures) is how something catches your eye that you have missed before. (it's especially great when it's convicting scripture. And yes, that might be a bit of sarcasm there.) This little gem was stuck in the middle of John the Baptist preparing the way. Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 2:8.
Ouch.
Enough said.
I think I'll close with this little gem. When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Luke 4:13. So many times as we battle temptation, we fool ourselves into believing that when it's over we can relax and let our guard down. I think I often forget that satan is just waiting for the next time. My job is to immerse myself in the Word and be diligent. (putting on the full armor of God....Ephesians 6:11)
Light has come into the world...(John 3:19)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Another of my favorite stories is that of Simeon.
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!”
Luke 2:25-32
I love the picture of a faithful man, righteous and devout, waiting for his Messiah. Ron Dicianni has a picture called "Simeon's Moment" that is one of my favorites. (It seems that this must be Karen's Favorites week!) One of the things that I love about it is the outline of the world superimposed over Simeon and baby Jesus. I love how the world is no longer dark where Jesus is. (can you tell that I am a visual person?)
Wouldn't you have loved to be in the temple that day?
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40
One of the wonderful things about reading scripture (especially familiar scriptures) is how something catches your eye that you have missed before. (it's especially great when it's convicting scripture. And yes, that might be a bit of sarcasm there.) This little gem was stuck in the middle of John the Baptist preparing the way. Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matthew 2:8.
Ouch.
Enough said.
I think I'll close with this little gem. When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Luke 4:13. So many times as we battle temptation, we fool ourselves into believing that when it's over we can relax and let our guard down. I think I often forget that satan is just waiting for the next time. My job is to immerse myself in the Word and be diligent. (putting on the full armor of God....Ephesians 6:11)
Light has come into the world...(John 3:19)
8 comments:
I saw that too, Karen! Until an opportune time! That's exactly what I do... I let my guard down when it's over and forget that he'll be back to bug me later! Oh, one more thing about Jesus that I thought was interesting. He worried his parents when he didn't come back for a few days. Isn't that strange? Thanks for sharing your heart with us and NO, I don't think you are a dork for enjoying the Old Testament so much. It was the first time I had ever read it and it sure helps to put it all together for me to understand the New Testament better! I love it, so that makes me a dork, too!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
I had a feeling of nostalgia--maybe not the right word, but a sense of longing for more as we left the Old Testament. I also reflected on how this chronological reading has changed me. I don't want to be the same. I feel so loved. Can you even imagine Simeon holding the Son of God knowing God had fulfilled His promise to him? I love that picture. So many tender places of love He has for us. Even though I say this often, I still mean it--your heart shines through so beautifully. I'm writing a post later this week called "You wear Jesus well" and you do, my friend.
I walked into a professor's home and he had that picture of Simeon signed by some painter. I wept as I looked and lingered thinking that that salvation has come to me and to you. Chosen. And we see Him! And it's so obvious from your life!
Love that you shared your favorites with what touched your heart his week. I, too, was struck by what does how I live my life say to others?
I found it very interesting what you said about missing the OT because God spoke. I was so excited to get to the New Testament and see Jesus that I didn't think about that.
I also liked what you said about the devil leaving until the next opportunity. You are so right! I think we are so relieved when we get a break that we sit back and relax as if it won't happen again.
Blessings
Michelle
Hi Karen,
I think I was anxious to get to the New Testament because I got a bit behind at the end of the Old Testament...but I do love that I have much more love for the OT...without it we would be left with an incomplete picture of His amazing plan through Jesus.
Great post...and you are not a dork!
Helen
as always a great posts directly from your heart, and that is what matters...
Ciao from Rome
freddie
as always a great posts directly from your heart, and that is what matters...
Ciao from Rome
freddie
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