The Fall
Waiting for Light to Come | Erik Reed
AND SIMEON BLESSED THEM AND SAID TO MARY HIS MOTHER, “BEHOLD, THIS CHILD IS APPOINTED FOR THE FALL AND RISING OF MANY I N ISRAEL, AND FOR A SIGN THAT IS OPPOSED (AND A SWORD WILL PIERCE THROUGH YOUR OWN SOUL ALSO), SO THAT THOUGHTS FROM MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED.” LUKE 2:34-35 (ESV)
The world today swarms with divisive figures. It always has. There are people who some love and adore, and others despise them. Athletes, musicians, and actors can divide audiences. Politicians are especially controversial in the reactions they elicit. People either love them or hate them.
It seems odd to think that God would be a divisive figure. One might imagine that the Creator of the world, including mankind, would be loved by that world. But people don’t. Some love God. Others despise His very existence, even going so far as suppressing the truth of God (Romans 1:18) despite the indisputable evidence. Many people hate God.
Our passage today points to this reality. The coming of Christ into the world would showcase the wickedness of human hearts. Man-centeredness would rear its ugly head when Jesus stepped onto the scene. A man named Simeon knew he would live to see the promised Messiah. Mary and Joseph arrived at the Temple with their infant son. He took Jesus into his arms and, filled with Holy Spirit, blessed him (Luke 2:28-32). Just consider the amazing nature of this scene. This man owed his life to the One he is cradling in his arms. Marvel at the thought!
Then Simeon turns to Mary and pronounces that Jesus’ coming means the fall and rising of many. What does this mean? Simeon is harkening back to Isaiah 8:14-15, where Isaiah said the Christ will be “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” The fall of many shows their misery, suffering, disappointment, and even ruin. Jesus’ words and works, as the Gospels display with clarity, showcased the pride and self-righteousness of many in Israel, including the religious leaders.
Perhaps the greatest fall the coming of Jesus ushered in was the fall of Israel into ruin. After they put Jesus to death, within several decades, the Romans crushed Israel, destroyed the Temple, and scattered the people into the nations.
However, Jesus’ coming would bring the rising of many in Israel. Many in the land found salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The poor, outcast, and humble received him. They experienced pardon of sin, and restoration to God. They found comfort in their sorrows and fears. Jesus divides people. Some reject Him and fall. Others receive Him and rise to new heights of joy and peace. Does Jesus call you to fall or rise?
Questions for Reflection
This advent devotion, Waiting for Light to Come, was written by Erik Reed and borrowed with permission from Knowing Jesus Ministries. You can find the original publication and more information at https://www.knowingjesusministries.co
AND SIMEON BLESSED THEM AND SAID TO MARY HIS MOTHER, “BEHOLD, THIS CHILD IS APPOINTED FOR THE FALL AND RISING OF MANY I N ISRAEL, AND FOR A SIGN THAT IS OPPOSED (AND A SWORD WILL PIERCE THROUGH YOUR OWN SOUL ALSO), SO THAT THOUGHTS FROM MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED.” LUKE 2:34-35 (ESV)
The world today swarms with divisive figures. It always has. There are people who some love and adore, and others despise them. Athletes, musicians, and actors can divide audiences. Politicians are especially controversial in the reactions they elicit. People either love them or hate them.
It seems odd to think that God would be a divisive figure. One might imagine that the Creator of the world, including mankind, would be loved by that world. But people don’t. Some love God. Others despise His very existence, even going so far as suppressing the truth of God (Romans 1:18) despite the indisputable evidence. Many people hate God.
Our passage today points to this reality. The coming of Christ into the world would showcase the wickedness of human hearts. Man-centeredness would rear its ugly head when Jesus stepped onto the scene. A man named Simeon knew he would live to see the promised Messiah. Mary and Joseph arrived at the Temple with their infant son. He took Jesus into his arms and, filled with Holy Spirit, blessed him (Luke 2:28-32). Just consider the amazing nature of this scene. This man owed his life to the One he is cradling in his arms. Marvel at the thought!
Then Simeon turns to Mary and pronounces that Jesus’ coming means the fall and rising of many. What does this mean? Simeon is harkening back to Isaiah 8:14-15, where Isaiah said the Christ will be “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” The fall of many shows their misery, suffering, disappointment, and even ruin. Jesus’ words and works, as the Gospels display with clarity, showcased the pride and self-righteousness of many in Israel, including the religious leaders.
Perhaps the greatest fall the coming of Jesus ushered in was the fall of Israel into ruin. After they put Jesus to death, within several decades, the Romans crushed Israel, destroyed the Temple, and scattered the people into the nations.
However, Jesus’ coming would bring the rising of many in Israel. Many in the land found salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The poor, outcast, and humble received him. They experienced pardon of sin, and restoration to God. They found comfort in their sorrows and fears. Jesus divides people. Some reject Him and fall. Others receive Him and rise to new heights of joy and peace. Does Jesus call you to fall or rise?
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus’ coming signify the fall of many?
- In what ways? How does Jesus’ coming bring the rise of many?
- What kind of joy do you think it gave Simeon to see God’s promise of seeing the Messiah in his lifetime fulfilled?
This advent devotion, Waiting for Light to Come, was written by Erik Reed and borrowed with permission from Knowing Jesus Ministries. You can find the original publication and more information at https://www.knowingjesusministries.co
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