Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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GRACE IN OLD AGE
Luke. 2: 25-35
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. "(Lk 2:34,35)
 
There are some people in the world who feel they might be too old, too limited or too marginalized to be of much use to God. Simeon is proof positive that God uses anyyone who is submitted to the Holy Spirit. This offers great hope, confidence and assurance that God continues to use the weak of the world to shame the things which are strong. Reading on, we can see that Simeon's life is full of great lessons for us this morning.

SIMEON PREPARED OTHERS TO FACE THE WORST - Simeon warned Mary and Joseph "This child will be rejected by man in Israel and it will be their undoing." People reject Christ to their own hurt. When people refuse to trust Christ as their Savior they do so to their own self-destruction. Rejecting Christ is the worst sin a person can commit. Rejecting Christ means one remains at enmity with God and separated from His grace. Simeon's warning is something that we need to give to others lest they too have to suffer needlessly.

SIMEON BLESSED OTHERS - Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph by speaking the truth in love. Let us not be shy about speaking the truth in love as it sets people free and gives them a clue about God's will which is for welfare and not for evil to give them a future and hope. Simeon trusted the Lord to give opportunities to be a blessing to those who are of the household of faith. Obey God when He prompts you to be a blessing and do not worry if others misunderstand or revile or say things falsely on account of Jesus. "Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great or so they persecuted the prophets who were before you". No doubt Simeon must have taken some criticism for stating the truth, but he knew that the Savior is a total deliverer. Let us be used as a channel of God's blessings to others throughout all facets and days of our lives.

SIMEON REVEALED THAT GOD USES ANYONE WHO SUBMITS TO HIS WILL -Simeon revealed that God uses anyone who submits to his will. Sometimes we may think that people are too old, too frail or too limited to be of much use to God.But Simeon's life is a rejection of that notion. God used Simeon to give clarity, visibility and confirmation that the baby Jesus was indeed the Messiah who had come to earth to save all people from their sins. Do not overlook anyone who is willing to be used to complete Christ's great commission. Do not underestimate what God can do through the weakest of vessels.
Prayer
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to Change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Trusting that He will make all things right. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Old Age crowns us with grace to share with the next generation.

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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