Rise and Fall

 December 27, 2024

Although much more could be said, this will be the last of our musings in Luke 2, with Simeon’s blessing of the baby Jesus and his mother. Tomorrow we will begin considering the birth narrative in Matthew.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” —Luke 2:34-35 

Simeon calls Jesus “the cause for “the rising and fall of many,” and a sign which shall be spoken against.” In case you hadn’t noticed it, these words have come true over and over again. People rise or fall at the name of Jesus. He will be the Rock upon which you build your life, or the Rock over which you stumble and fall. 

“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you  who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.” —I Peter 2:6-8 

You can talk about God all day long, and hardly anyone notices, but speak the name of Jesus and suddenly you’re a fanatic. That Name attracts controversy, animosity, ridicule, and persecution as no other. Even so, his is the only Name “under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” so speak the Name clearly and consistently. Someone’s eternal salvation depends upon it.