Sorrow now, joy later

January 30, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 2:34-35: “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."

I can’t even imagine what Mary felt, hearing those words. Her baby is only a little more than a month old, but already the Holy Spirit is speaking through Simeon to tell what will come in the future—the anger and bitter controversy, the opposition to Jesus' ministry, and finally the suffering and death of her Son Jesus on the cross.
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Were there ever days when Mary wondered why God would allow so much pain to come into their lives? We do not know. But we do know that there is also suffering in our own lives, suffering we cannot understand or find a reason for. And so we ask God, "Why?" The only thing we can do is hold on to God, trusting that there is a reason and that he will ultimately work all things together for good.

The only reason we can do this is Jesus himself. He is the Savior who was born among us to carry our suffering and sin, for as we are told in God’s Word, Jesus was despised and rejected by men. He suffered much in his lifetime. In his death and resurrection, he gave all who believe in him eternal life.

Please join me in praying the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, by Your Holy Spirit, keep us close to Your Son when times are good and when they're not for without your help, the things of this world would separate us from Jesus.  In his name, we pray. Amen.