Spiritual Restoration (3)

Make a Decision!

At the time Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph were aware of the significance of their newborn, but being aware of the newborn child as a gift of God did not mean they understood how the future would unfold. When the infant Jesus was taken to the Temple and dedicated to the Lord (circumcised), Simeon came up to Joseph and Mary and said, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected.  Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!” (Luke 2:34-35, NET).

Simeon said to Jesus’ parents that the child, when His mission starts, is going to demand of people a response. What decision were they to make? If you look in Joshua 24, you’ll see that the Lord’s prophet called upon the Israelites to make a decision going forward about what they should and to whom should they render loyal service (24:14-15). With Jesus’ ministry He, essentially, called upon all to make a similar choice, “Choose you this gay whom you will serve….”

Jesus said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, ASV).