A sword would pierce her soul.

Friday   9-19-16  (Home in Modesto, California)

Scripture reading:   Eze 47-48     Luke 2

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul."

Luke 2:52 So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him. NLT

O. Simeon’s prophecy was few in words, yet it said so much! He “blesses” Mary with startling negatives words. “Look at this tiny Messiah child. He will be rejected by many in Israel, but it will be their undoing. That was the bad news. Then come the good news: He will be the greatest joy to many others. More bad news: He will know and reveal the deepest secrets of men’s thoughts and that will make them furious. And finally the elderly, Holy Spirit filled gentleman looks at Mary and prepares her for the worst: A sword will pierce your very soul. She would remember these words as she watched her precious 33 year old Son covered with spittle and blood, dying naked before a mocking crowd. That would be a piercing sword for any mother.

A.  Young Jesus started out so well in his teens and twenties; obedient, tall, wise, loved by God and all who knew Him. But when Jesus left home to begin ministry, His miracles and His message rocked His world. The Jewish religious leaders called it “trickery and sinful” since He stooped to desecrate the Sabbath by showing love and care for the sick and needy all seven days. Then they exploded in hatred when they heard Him reveal their evil thoughts to the public and heard His open declarations to be the Son of God, sent from heaven. If Jesus experienced hatred and rejection along with limited acceptance, I should not be surprised by the same.

P. Dear Jesus, your disciples followed You right into the jaws of death and then fled for their lives. But Your mother, Mary, did not run for her life. She suffered the shame of being identified as a criminal’s mother as she stood near Your cross and a sword pierced her very soul as she heard her firstborn Son’s cries and watched Him breathe His final breath. I wasn’t there… yet in a way I was there. My sins, and they were many, were cancelled that day to set me free. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

Ralph

Mary Did You Know"
(originally by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene (melody))

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.