A Sword to Pierce Your Heart

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:25-35 ESV). Have you noticed how almost everyone loves a baby? When our boys were born, they were surrounded by family who loved and adored them. I know that’s not always the case. However, even when those neglected and unwanted children are born, they are still beautiful to many. All babies seem to be irresistible. Strangers feel right at ease commenting about an infant. They will stare, smile, and talk to the baby. The child will stare back, having not yet learned to avert their eyes. Perhaps a coo, a smile, or a laugh will come. Then the recipient will act as if they have scaled a mountain. “I made them laugh!” Few things are as approachable, or vulnerable, as a newborn baby. So it was that Christ entered the world. Every parent carries a mental catalogue of things that could go wrong with their child. God too must have been fully aware of the risk of sending his Son into the world, because even if Mary did her best to raise him, she could not protect him from everything. Jesus had to face all the risks of living. In addition, a unique measure of suffering was in store for him and for his mother. Simeon said, “A sword will pierce your soul.” Can you imagine what Mary must have thought? This known danger added to God’s sacrifice. God trusted his Son to Mary, not to keep him safe for a full and successful life, but that he might ultimately die in our place. Even as a gentle newborn child, the path to the cross was laid before him. As a parent, would you have wanted to know that? I wouldn’t. I would not want to know that every effort to protect my son was really only an effort to get him to his death. No matter how difficult life may seem, I cannot imagine it being more difficult that it was for Joseph and Mary. Even today as I think about my children and grandchildren, I cannot imagine any harm coming to them. I would gladly take their place rather than they suffer any harm. That’s precisely what God did. Only one death would suffice to redeem these wayward people. God knew it could only be the sinless Son. It would require a great sacrifice on His part and on the part of Jesus’ earthly family. Yet they paid the price. When he asks me to make a sacrifice, how can I possibly think it too great in the face of what he has already done? Whatever “sword” may be poised to pierce your heart, God has already been there. Trust His good to be done.