Lawrence Kirby shared a message titled,
'Hope in Jesus' The Christmas story can give us HOPE, because if God chose to enter Earth, submitting himself as a little human baby, then anything is possible! Luke 2:21-35 NLT "Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 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 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “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!” 33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” It was amazing that Simeon lived as long as he did (possibly 150 years old), holding onto the hope of the Messiah coming in the time of Roman rule. This takes place after what the people of Israel called a time of silence. They were waiting for the prophecies to come to pass. In amongst that, Simeon was standing with the Promise, listening to the Holy Spirit, never giving up hope. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The moments of disappointment are part of the journey of faith and hope as well as the moments when we see the fullness of the Promise. Death is not the end! Hope is based in Jesus and He is always present by His Spirit. God's not finished yet - there is more to hope for. Your hope needs to be in the person of Jesus. What are you hoping for?
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