July 17 Daily Devotional

Luke 2

When Jesus was eight days old, he was circumcised and his name was called Jesus, as the angel had told both Mary and Joseph that he should be named. Jesus means Savior. He came to seek and to save. He was sent to bring salvation to the world.

When Jesus was six weeks old, Joseph and Mary brought the child to the temple in Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. The first son in each family had to be presented, and at that time an offering had to be made unto the Lord, to show that the child was the Lord’s. Wealthy people would offer a lamb, while the poor brought a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. When Joseph and Mary presented their offerings, “behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon: and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him, and … revealed unto him that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Now when Joseph and Mary brought the child into the temple, Simeon “took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

“And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

While Joseph and Mary were in the temple they also met an old faithful woman named Anna. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She is called a prophetess, and she looked with a prophetic eye into the future and heard the voice of God. The temple was her favorite place. She led a life of prayer. She also had the privilege of seeing the Savior of the world. Her heart was filled with thanksgiving, and she spoke of him to all of them that were looking for the redemption at Jerusalem.

There was a small group of believers at Jerusalem, waiting for the redemption. These people realized that darkness covered the earth, and that salvation had to come from above. They were aware of the promises of God as to the coming of the Savior. The birth of the Savior filled their hearts with joy and gladness. “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us … to guide our feet into the way of peace.”