TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 24:15-27
You will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Rob Johnston and Richard Farley became best friends in the Air Force Academy. They ended up pulling the same tour of duty in Vietnam, frequently flying together in reconnaissance missions. In such trying circumstances, it was comforting to see a close buddy in the next plane over. One day, however, the unthinkable happened--in horror, Rob watched his best buddy get shot down. There was no time to help or mourn, all he could do was to try to get back to the aircraft carrier.

In similarly devastating event, Ezekiel learned that the “delight of his eyes” (v. 16) was to be taken suddenly from him. Ezekiel’s tender regard for his wife reveals how much this man, whom God had to make like “the hardest stone” (v. 3:9), must have suffered ministering to hard-hearted, rebellious people. Yet as a sign, Ezekiel was prohibited from mourning his beloved wife.

How could this possibly be a sign to the exiles? Because funeral customs at that time were quite elaborate, the absence of any mourning would have caused the people to take notice, as they did. The delight of Ezekiel’s eyes had been ripped from him in the same way that the delight of the exiles’ eyes, Jerusalem, was about to be ripped from them. (Ezekiel precisely dated his prophecies, so we know that his wife died at the same time that Jerusalem fell, in 586 B.C.) The Lord’s command to Ezekiel showed that the people would not be able to mourn Jerusalem’s destruction. The city’s residents would be so focused on survival or escape that they would be unable to lament its destruction--the far-off exiles, unaware that their beloved city was being ravished, would be going about business as usual when it fell. Ezekiel’s actions also showed the people how callously they had defiled Jerusalem, which was the cause of its ruin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Being a “sign” to one’s community requires obedience and a willingness to be misunderstood.

All of us are called in some way to be God’s signs to those around us. As such, we may be ridiculed for not swearing or gossiping. Or our children may be teased because they aren’t allowed to watch certain TV programs. Yet as His signs, we point to His love and His better way of living life. Think through where God has called you to be His sign and praise Him for this opportunity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 25:1-17; 35:1-15
Then they will know that I am the Lord. - Ezekiel 25:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Jim Bakker was convicted of fraud in 1989, some in the media had a field day. But God has a way of working with His children. Prison humbled Jim Bakker and eventually restored his relationship with God. Today he ministers with his son to kids on the street and pastors who need to know God’s restoration.

The world takes perverse delight in the fall of believers. That was certainly the case with Judah and Israel’s neighbors. The prophet Amos denounced those who delighted in Israel’s fall in 722 B.C.; God used Ezekiel to do the same with Judah’s enemies in 586 B.C.

Ezekiel’s prophecies address the nations surrounding Judah--Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia; tomorrow’s passage continues with Tyre and Sidon. Both Ammon (vv. 1–7) and Moab (vv. 8–11) descended from Lot’s incestuously conceived sons (Gen. 19:30–38); so when these two nations rejoiced over Judah’s fall, it was like delighting in a cousin’s demise.

Throughout Israel and Judah’s long history, the Edomites (descendents of Esau) were resentful neighbors harboring ancient hostilities. When Judah fell, Edom cooperated with Babylon (35:5), lusting after Israelite land (35:10). In Jesus’ times, the Edomites were called Idumeans--Herod’s people. Edom became a desolate wasteland (25:13; 35:3) in A.D. 70.

Philistia (vv. 15–16) was a constant taunt to Israel--recall David and Goliath (1 Sam. 17). Their premeditated vengeance resulted in the Kerethites (Philistines) being cut off forever.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Philippians 2:10 says “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow”--some with great joy, others under compulsion.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 26:1-14; 28:1-23
A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. - Proverbs 29:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Although Nazism began as a political movement, it soon became apparent that the dictator viewed himself as no ordinary leader. The Third Reich was increasingly known as the Thousand Year Reich. Hitler claimed immortality, and demanded unquestioning, cultic obedience from his followers.

It was certainly not the first time in history a deluded individual claimed to be a god. You may wonder why three chapters cover Tyre’s judgment--the answer lies in the overwhelming pride of its prince, who also claimed, “I am a god” (28:2). Such a seriously deceived claim warrants a severe judgment.

Tyre was a prominent commercial city and a well-known slave trading center (27:13). Because Tyre was one of Judah’s major trade rivals, it hoped to profit from Jerusalem’s fall (26:2). Although Tyre was also attacked by Nebuchadnezzar, its island location enabled it to hold out for thirteen years. This resistance encouraged the exiles, who falsely hoped Tyre would help facilitate their quick return to Jerusalem. But Tyre would not be able to help anyone following its destruction (26:14).

Despite many sins, Tyre’s worst was clearly its leader’s hubris, thinking himself to be as wise as a god (28:6–7). The Sovereign Lord was about to show him just how foolish he had been. With stinging irony, the Lord asked this prince if he would be able to claim divinity while he was being slain. An ignoble death revealed this presumptuous man for what he truly was (vv. 9–10).

Such self-exaltation revealed the sinister truth about this prince--he had completely sold himself to Satan. This explains the Garden of Eden imagery (vv. 12–19) that more accurately describes the fall of Satan than any human being. This passage also clearly shows the frightening reality behind--and the terrifying outcome for--those who would claim to be on par with God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Bible scholar Ralph Alexander writes, “The main purpose of life is to know that the Lord is our God”--a frequent theme in Ezekiel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 28:24-26
Choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God. - Deuteronomy 30:19–20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Following in the steps of Billy Graham would be difficult for anyone, but rebellion early in life probably made son Franklin feel even more disqualified to step into the pulpit. Yet God is eager to restore those who return to Him. For years, Franklin Graham has faithfully led the relief organization Samaritan’s Purse. He has also led evangelistic crusades from Alaska to Australia. He is a powerful testimony to God’s restoration.

A testimony such as this was exactly what Judah needed in the midst of judgment. Today’s passage was a tiny flicker of hope in a very long, dark night.

Knowing what we do about Judah’s neighbors, the promise that a day would come when it would not be surrounded by “malicious” neighbors (v. 24) was good news indeed! This passage also promised that the exiles would be regathered and restored to their land, where they would finally know that God was the Lord their God (v. 26).

This amazing promise was not actually something new, although the horrors of judgment may have caused God’s people to lose sight of it. God had promised to give to Abraham’s descendents their own land, numerous progeny, and a personal relationship with Him (Gen. 12:1–7). Just prior to entering the Promised Land, the people had pledged their allegiance to the Sinaitic Covenant, in which covenantal blessings for obedience and curses for noncompliance were made clear (Deut. 28). Centuries of rebellion resulted in the calamity predicted in Deuteronomy 29. Fortunately, Deuteronomy 30 follows Deuteronomy 29! Consider the following promise: “Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers” (Deut. 30:4–5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction,” states Deuteronomy 30:15.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 32:1-32
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. - Isaiah 40:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Keith Green wrote a song expressing the likely thoughts of the Israelites during their forty-year wilderness wanderings: “So you wanna go back to Egypt, where it’s warm and secure. . . . You wanted to live in the Land of Promise, but now it’s getting so hard. Are you sorry you’re out here in the desert, instead of your own backyard?”

Unfortunately these words touch on a sad truth about Israel, namely, its temptation to run to Egypt instead of the Lord. Yet Egypt was as reliable as a “broken reed” (29:6–9). Although Egypt used Judah as a buffer zone against northern aggressors, it was often unwilling or unable to come to Judah’s aid when it really mattered. Yet even in exile, the people still hoped that Egypt would help return them to Jerusalem. This probably explains why four chapters in Ezekiel (29–32) are dedicated to the impending judgment upon Egypt--with Egypt gone, the exiles would be forced finally to seek help from the Lord alone.

Today’s passage is a funeral dirge, lamenting the fall of the pharaoh. Although he fancied himself a lion among the nations, the pharaoh was really a crocodile (“monster in the seas”) that thrashed about but only muddied the waters. With Nebuchadnezzar casting the net, the Lord would judge Pharaoh’s cruelty and bloodshed. Like a dying star, Pharaoh would be snuffed out (vv. 7–8); many nations would be appalled, perhaps fearing their own fate if one as great as Egypt had fallen.

After all its greatness, Egypt would end up in a common grave with the uncircumcised, or the unclean. This would have been particularly abhorrent to the Egyptians, who took great care preserving and burying their dead. Here Egypt would be joined by other fallen empires, each of whom had caused terror, including Assyria (vv. 22-23); Edom (v. 29), and the Sidonians (v. 30). Pharaoh’s consolation was that he would be in “good” company.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The past few days may have felt more like a history lesson than a devotional! This emphasizes the truth that God acts in history.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 33:1-33
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s hard to read Longfellow’s poem about Paul Revere’s midnight ride and remain unstirred. On the night of April 18, 1775, this hero, together with William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, warned the people of Massachusetts that British soldiers were about to descend upon them. We can only speculate what would have happened had these brave heralds failed.

Ezekiel was called to be a herald, or watchman, to his people (cf. Ezek. 3:16–19). The people’s question, “How then can we live?” shows that Ezekiel had not failed in pointing out their sin. But the people ignored the clear answer: “Turn, turn, turn from your evil ways!”

They were still looking for someone to blame. This sounds familiar because the passage echoes Ezekiel 18 (see Aug. 13). But God’s truth about personal responsibility does not change: “I will judge each of you according to his own ways” (v. 20).

Then a remarkable event occurred--a refugee from Jerusalem finally made it to Babylon with an eyewitness account of the city’s destruction. As if this weren’t bad enough, equally disturbing was the attitude of Jerusalem’s few survivors. Even after all that they’d experienced, they still refused to turn from their evil (vv. 25–26). Moreover, they wrongly claimed possession of the land. Their faulty reasoning went as follows: the land was given to Abraham, who was only one (and who everyone knows was righteous); because we are many (and as his descendents we are righteous too), surely the land will be ours. But because these survivors had neither obeyed nor repented, they would lose both the land and their lives.

The exiles were only slightly better. Although they were eagerly listening to Ezekiel--now a proven prophet--they flocked to him as they would to an entertainer. Their ears heard, but their hearts weren’t listening.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The exiles were certainly ready to hear good news about restoration--they were eager to hear about a future and a hope.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 34:1-31
He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. - Isaiah 40:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
A sheep that has fallen down “is a very pathetic sight. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flays away frantically struggling to stand up, without success. Sometimes it will bleat a little for help, but generally, it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration,” writes Philip Keller, in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.

A good shepherd will diligently search out fallen sheep--only a very wicked shepherd would let a sheep die in that terrible condition. Yet this is exactly what Judah’s kings, frequently called shepherds, were doing. It would have been bad enough if they had just been selfish or negligent. But these kings were cruel and had caused the people to be scattered (vv. 5–6). Consequently, Judah’s kings were being “fired,” and the Lord Himself would shepherd His people.

If average people listening felt smug about judgment on Judah’s corrupt kings, their smirk would have quickly disappeared. None of God’s sheep were blameless (cf. Isa. 53:6); yet some had fared particularly poorly, especially the weak.

As is often the case following a judgment passage, today’s text contains two very specific promises of restoration: a new shepherd and a covenant of peace. Although the new shepherd is called David, this obviously can’t refer to King David, who died over three hundred years earlier. So this promise points to a future shepherd who would be part of the Davidic line (2 Sam. 7:12–16), and who would be strong and compassionate, like David. This promise clearly refers to our Lord Jesus Christ!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God” (v. 31).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 36:1-38
The nations will know that I am the Lord . . . when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. - Ezekiel 36:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1903, Rev. W. Goodwin walked through the run-down streets of a Virginia town and was inspired with an ambitious dream by the “gallant ghosts” of the past. In 1926, this dream caught the attention of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and the largest restoration project in American history began. From the ground up, the former glory of Colonial Williamsburg was painstakingly restored. “The atmosphere of a whole glorious chapter in our history has been recaptured,” said Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. Today millions of visitors would agree.

It’s heartening to see a ruin restored to its former glory. To the exiles, the promise of a restored Jerusalem must have exceeded their greatest hopes. But today’s passage speaks of an even greater work of renewal--the renewal of the human heart. It may seem surprising that the land itself is promised restoration (vv. 8–12), but it too had been defiled by the people’s vile sin (vv. 17–18). Because ancient kings often “scorched and burned” conquered land, most likely Judah had been similarly treated. But notice the motivation for God’s restorative actions--for the sake of His holy name (v. 22). Judah dishonored God’s name when they were exiled because the ancients believed that gods only protected certain geographical regions; if a people lost their land, obviously their god wasn’t strong enough to protect them. So instead of being His witness to the nations, Judah had reproached God’s holy name.

But before God could restore His people to their land, He would have to perform heart surgery on them! The old hard-hearted rebellion had to be replaced with obedience. Only with new hearts could God bring His people back into the land.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Word of God tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 37:1-28
The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. - John 6:63
TODAY IN THE WORD
The resurrection plant is a truly remarkable plant found in arid regions of the Southwest. Unless you know their “secret,” you would assume that they were dead. When moistened, however, this plant slowly unfolds and appears to “resurrect.”

The exiles could have identified with the “dead” state of these plants, as is clear from their lament (v. 11). How encouraging today’s vision must have been then!

In one of the most dramatic and well-known visions, Ezekiel saw an ancient battlefield filled with bones. Their vast number and dryness emphasized their lifelessness. Yet, Ezekiel had seen enough of the Lord to know that with Him anything was possible (v. 3).

God commanded Ezekiel to preach to these bones. As Ezekiel faithfully obeyed, the bones rattled back into place, but they were still lifeless. This recalls Genesis 2:7, where humans were lifeless until the Lord breathed the breath of life into them. The Hebrew word for breath, ruah,is the same word for the Spirit. The Lord’s breath infused these dead bodies with both physical and spiritual life! Some think this passage refers to individual resurrection, but more likely it speaks of the restoration of the whole nation of Israel (v. 11), showing that only God’s Word and His Spirit could restore His people.

In his final acted parable, Ezekiel took two sticks, one labeled Judah, the southern kingdom, and the other Ephraim, for the northern kingdom. These two sticks were then symbolically held as if they were one. Thus, not only would the renewed people be restored to their land, Judah and Israel would be reunited!

Ruling over this restored kingdom would be a Davidic king (v. 22), the coming Messiah. Notice the emphasis on permanence: the people will enjoy the land forever, the Messiah will rule forever, and God’s sanctuary will be in their midst forever. And the covenant of peace (see Aug. 26) will be an everlasting covenant.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Only God can bring forth life--both for individuals and the church.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 38:1-39:29
On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. - Matthew 16:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the Communists took over China in 1949, it seemed to be the end for the Chinese church. All foreign missionaries were expelled, church organizations were banned, and Christians were brutally persecuted. Yet in 1976, when the country opened slightly, outsiders were surprised at the phenomenal growth of the church in China. In the words of Tertullian, the second-century Christian: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

Throughout history, God’s people have clung to the assurance of God’s ultimate victory over the forces of evil. This theme is clearly evident in today’s study.

At some future date (v. , a massive army under the command of a certain Gog, from Magog, will launch a full-scale attack on Israel who will be dwelling safely, but defenselessly, in the land. Although this Gog will be responsible for his own actions (vv. 11–13), God sovereignly controls (vv. 14–16).

Gog’s exact identity remains unclear. Some have tried to identify him historically, whereas others believe that Gog symbolizes evil forces opposed to God’s people. Equally unclear is the time of this attack. We know from Nehemiah that the returning exiles experienced opposition, yet this passage far exceeds that. Scholars are divided if this attack will occur during the Great Tribulation, before the Millennial Reign, or following it.

God’s decisive victory over the evil Gog is undeniable. After an earthquake, Gog’s forces will turn upon each other, and will then experience plagues, hailstones, and burning sulphur. Their complete rout will display God’s glory to the nations. The clean-up operation shows the vastness of this evil army. Seven months will be required to cleanse the land of corpses; the weaponry of the enemy will supply the people with fuel for seven years! The gruesome feast that follows uses grisly language to stress the horrors of God’s judgment (cf. Rev. 19:17–18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For believers there is no need to ever feel threatened or embarrassed by difficult Bible passages!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 40:1-4; 43:1-12
The glory of the Lord filled the temple. - Ezekiel 43:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Although no one knows what the glory of God looks like, some people think they can imagine what it might sound like--the magnificent Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah!It praises the Lord God Omnipotent, who shall reign forever and ever.

Following yesterday’s disturbing battle scene, Ezekiel’s vision of the return of God’s glory is as welcome as the Hallelujah chorus!

Most agree that Ezekiel’s last vision--the longest in the Old Testament--refers to a yet future temple, perhaps during the Millennial Age. Ezekiel received this vision at the beginning of the fourteenth year following Jerusalem’s fall, on the tenth of the month, when the Passover lamb was normally selected. Just as Passover concerned Israel’s redemption from Egypt, so Ezekiel’s vision concerns Israel’s future redemption.

Ezekiel was told to pay close attention to all that he was about to see. And what was he about to see? Measurements . . . lots of measurements! Measure-ments of the outer court (40:5–47), of the Temple itself (40:48–41:26), of the priests’ chambers (42:1–14), and of the entire Temple area (42:15–20). Why all these detailed measurements?

First, this detail shows God’s absolute orderliness; this construction is perfectly balanced. Secondly, the compound reveals a complete separation between the holy and the common (42:20). Finally, such detail shows preparation for the return of God’s glory. Order, balance, preparation--all these accord with the beauty and moral perfection of God’s glory.

The same vision of God’s glory that Ezekiel had seen along the Kebar River (Ezekiel 1) and departing from Solomon’s Temple (Ezekiel 8–11) now appeared to Ezekiel returning to the restored Temple. And again Ezekiel worshiped God (43:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When people see at last the extent of God’s unconditional love and His willingness to restore them, they are truly humbled.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 44:1-3; 45:1-8; 46:9-10
God is not a God of disorder but of peace. - 1 Corinthians 14:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine watching a baseball game in which players can go to bat anytime they want . . . catching a fly ball one time means the batter’s out, but another time means that the batter gets to bat again. Sometimes three strikes gets a batter out, but other times it takes only one strike. Can you imagine the spectators’ frustration . . . not to mention the confusion and chaos on the field?

Rules are important--without them chaos usually results. Rules and worship might seem mutually exclusive, but, as we’ll see today, God’s regulations enhance worship of Him.

For one thing, God’s ordinances keep what’s holy separate from what’s not. In fact, the Hebrew word for holy, qados, means something that’s set aside, or separated, for God’s use. This explains why the east gate was to remain closed (44:1–3): after the Lord’s glory had returned through that gate, it was too holy for subsequent use. This closed gate further suggests that Lord would not leave His Temple again.

The many details concerning the land’s division also preserve the holiness of the temple. Notice that a large portion of land (over forty square miles) is reserved as a sacred district. Within this district, the sanctuary will be further protected by “open land” (45:2). Outside the sanctuary, but within the sacred district, will be the holy portion of the priests and Levites. It might be helpful to look at a study Bible map at this point, but even without one, it’s clear that the Most Holy Place will be surrounded by sacred land to preserve its holiness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Orders of service vary greatly between churches, but most churches have some type of structure to their services.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezekiel 47:1-12; 48:30-35
And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. - Ezekiel 48:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
The world’s longest river begins quite humbly in Burundi, Central Africa. Together with its tributaries, the Nile winds through ten African nations, supplying irrigation and transportation. One look at the arid land just past its fertile edges quickly reveals the life-giving importance of this mighty river.

But even the Nile pales in comparison with the glorious river described in Ezekiel 47. Beginning under the temple’s threshold, this magnificent river flows with ever-increasing volume, bringing blessing and healing wherever it flows--indeed that’s its purpose (v. 9). Not quite a half-mile from the temple, this river is already knee-deep (v. 4). Just over a mile from its source, the river is too deep to cross. More important than its volume, however, are its amazing healing properties. Notice the abundance of trees along its edges. As it eventually flows into the Sea (referring to the Dead Sea), the salt water will become fresh, and numerous fish will flourish. This river is part of the significant geographical and topological changes in the land that are recorded in Ezekiel 40–48, which many scholars believe correspond to those prophecies about the Lord’s Second Coming

Ezekiel concludes with a description of the city’s gates. Beginning with Reuben, the firstborn, the gates list each of the twelve tribes, another indication that the restored land is no longer divided.

And, finally, saving the best for last, Ezekiel’s vision concludes with the name of the city: THE LORD IS THERE. The single most important aspect of the restored Temple is found in this eternal truth: the Lord is there.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God uses rich and powerful imagery to communicate spiritual truths. Although the river in today’s passage depicts a physical river, it also symbolizes the outpouring of the Lord’s blessings.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:1-20
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
It may be difficult to look at today's passage with a fresh perspective, although reading it in August might help. The beginning of Luke 2 is most commonly read in church Christmas programs and on family couches before beginning to open presents. To many of us, it is simply, “The Christmas Story.”

Perhaps more than any other Bible passage, this narrative captures the feeling of a storybook. Luke doesn't offer a commentary on the Son of God being placed in a feeding trough. He doesn't see fit to record details about precisely where they stayed or what Jesus' birth date was. All we have is a simple, beautiful, rather poignant story of a couple who gave birth to their first child in extremely inconvenient circumstances.

Then the nameless shepherds entered the picture, continuing the story line of the intersection between the humble humanity and the eternal majesty of heaven. The angel of the Lord delivered the strangest, yet most important birth announcement in the history of the world.

Shepherds might not seem to be the most credible sources for substantiating claims of divinity, but their story is crucial to our understanding of Christ's birth. As the sole recipients of the angelic announcement, the shepherds verified that everything happened exactly as God had said it would.

Notice Luke's attention to the personal emotions involved. The shepherds went from absolute fear to ecstatic rejoicing. All who heard their story were filled with wonder and interest. And Mary continued to reflect with awe on what had happened. Maybe it's Luke's attention to emotion that creates such a strong response in our hearts to this beloved passage of Scripture. After all, the birth of our Savior should stir deep emotion within all who believe on His name.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some well-meaning teachers try to detach emotions from our understanding of Scripture. While we shouldn't let our feelings dictate our study, we shouldn't ignore them either. The Bible records a broad range of human emotions, which means God cares about them! Perhaps you've read Luke 2 so many times, familiarity has tarnished your sense of the wonder, joy, sadness, and mystery in the passage. Meditate on it today and ask God to soften your heart and awaken your emotions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:21-40
If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. - Leviticus 12:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
After a performance of Thornton Wilder's Our Town, producers asked Alexander Woollcott for an endorsement, and he declined. “It doesn't need it,” the drama critic explained. “I'd as soon think of endorsing the Twenty-third Psalm.”

Jesus hardly needed further endorsement when He was presented in the temple. He had already received a stamp of approval from Gabriel before He was born—of a virgin, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His birth and identity as Christ the Lord had been proclaimed by angels and verified by shepherds. But Luke continues to provide a landslide of evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the Anointed One of God, even before He had spoken His first word.

Jesus was circumcised and officially named on the eighth day after His birth, but the rest of the events in today's reading would have occurred at least thirty-three days later according to the Law (Lev. 12:4). Their sacrifice of birds tells us that Mary and Joseph couldn't afford a lamb. God had not sent His only Son to be born into the wealthy ruling elite, but into a humble home. The purpose of the offering was a sacrifice to God and the ceremonial cleansing of the mother's impurity—even Mary was not exempt.

Once again the Holy Spirit was actively involved in confirming Jesus' identity, this time through Simeon, and his message revealed the broad scope of Jesus' ministry. He would offer salvation not only to Israel, but to all peoples, including the Gentiles (cf. Isa. 42:6). But Jesus would also bring judgment. He was to cause the falling as well as the rising of those who met Him (v. 34). Simeon's words of warning made it unmistakable that the glory of the life of Christ came at considerable cost.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Simeon mentioned that Jesus would cause “the thoughts of many to be revealed” (v. 35). That statement is still true of our Savior. We can quickly learn the condition of people's hearts by discussing Christ with them. Someone who thinks He was just “a good man” doesn't really know Him. Those who claim He is one of many roads to faith have denied Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the boldness and the grace to approach others about Jesus.