Walk in the Spirit February 2020

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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.'
Prayerful Awareness
According to the Jewish Law, when
a male child completes 40 days of his
birth purification rites should be accomplished
during which a lamb of one year
is be offered as the blood sacrifice and s
turtledove or s young pigeon as the sin
offering. Those who could not afford
this could offer either a pair of turtledoves
or two young pigeons of which
the former was as the blood sacrifice and
the latter as the sin offering.
Also in connection with a Jewish
first born male child there was another
ritual of consecrating the child to God
(Exodus 13/1-2). Thus the infant Jesus
too was dedicated to God in the temple.
On this day there was an action
of God that took place surpassing the
traditional rite which was the fulfillment
of the expectations of the people
of God who were attuned to His voice
from of old and awaiting the advent of
the Messiah. Accordingly, the just man
Simeon, through the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit saw how the promises of
God that had been in revelation from of
old have been fulfilled in the little infant
in the hands of His parents.
Moving further on, the word proclaimed
by this old man to mother Mary
is a prophecy regarding the Lord Jesus.
'This child is destined for the fall and
for the rising of many in Israel' indicates
that those who believe in Him will be
raised or saved while those who do not
believe will fall.
The Second Proclamation
Since, therefore, the children
share flesh and blood, he himself
likewise shared the same things, so
that through death he might destroy
the one who has the power of death,
that is, the devil, and free those who
all their lives were held in slavery by
the fear of death. For it is clear that
he did not come to help angels, but the
descendants of Abraham. Therefore
he had to become like his brothers
and sister s in every respect, so that
he might be a merciful and faithful
high priest in the service of God, to
make a sacrifice of atonement for the
sins of the people. Because he himself
was tested by what he suffered, he is
able to help those who are being tested.
Prayerful Awareness
The Lord Jesus truly incarnated
Himself, both in the life of humanity as
well as in the house of Judah, by being
made man, who did not sin like unto man
and by fulfilling every rite according
to the Law of Moses. Therefore fully
understanding the real problems of man
He became like man himself by going
through temptation and suffering. In
order to experience the power of the light
of Jesus the Lord who offered Himself
as a sacrifice for the redemption of man,
all of us should walk through the door
of salvation.
Our sonship
The just devotee Simeon who had
great faith and hope in the promises of
God always depended on God. Just as he
was graced to see Christ before his death
let us also await in unwavering hope for
the coming of Christ, our great hope and
fulfillment of the entire Universe.
Moreover, am I ready to acknowledge
Him, who shared my humanity, as
my Redeemer in face of every struggle,
temptation and suffering now and always?
For this purpose let us open all
avenues, that remain closed, for Him
to enter and experience and enjoy the
presence of the majestic and glorious
King as my only Savior.
Prayer Starter
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be
gracious to me and answer me! "Come,"
my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face,
Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face
from me.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"