Future Lost?

When Jesus was presented at the Temple, he received an interesting reception by two prophets, Simeon and Anna.

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,  ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,  a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. - Luke 2:22-40

I can't help wonder just what Joseph and Mary thought when they heard the prophets speak.

We know the story.  We know who Jesus will become and how he will change the way people perceive and understand the savior, the Messiah, but what did they expect?

Simeon starts out saying this child will be the salvation of Israel and the Gentiles, which amazed his parents, but he went on to say that there will be torment and sorrow for him and for Mary.

Surely they didn't want to hear that.  It must have frightened them.

When a child is born, we are filled with hope, mapping out the future as though it is assured.  We build our expectations of future joys, anticipating how we will be sharing in those moments, and all is good.  But things don't always turn out the way we hope.

So, today, as we hear the prophets praise God and warn of sorrow in the lives of the parents, let us remember those who have lost a child, and pray that Jesus is with them today.

More to come...