The Dawn of a New Year

Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God. - William Carey

RELATED SCRIPTURE:

Luke 2:21-40

The Dawn of a New Year

At the dawn of a New Year, we look forward to seeing what the future holds. God's gift to us is the gift of life - the gift of a new day and a new year to unravel. The gift of a new beginning.

Maybe we have fears or worries about what lies ahead. Some of our expectations will become reality. But most certainly, there will also be some disappointments along the way.

What are our expectations at the dawn of a New Year?

What are our aspirations?

What are our fears?

Faithful in the Ordinary

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, according to what had been prophesied about Him, Mary and Joseph faithfully fulfilled all that was required by the Law of the Lord.

Every Jewish boy had to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth; Jesus was circumcised on the very day the law appointed (v.21).

Circumcision meant being admitted into a covenant with God. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, came in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3) and even as a baby, identified with sinners and was submitted to all the requirements of the Law of Moses.

Being a firstborn son, Jesus was presented at the temple to be consecrated to the Lord (v.23) and redeemed with five shekels of silver (Numbers 18:15-16). But, possibly in the case of poverty, the priest was allowed to take less - or perhaps nothing - for no mention is made of this.

For her purification following the birth of a child (Leviticus 12:1-8), Mary had to bring a lamb as a burnt offering and a young pigeon for a sin offering, but Mary brought to the temple the offering of the poor: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

However, unknown to her, Mary indeed did present a Lamb to the temple. Jesus was the holy Lamb of God, who was to be sacrificed for her sins and the sins of the whole world.

Why are all these details significant?

The Jewish people of Jesus' day observed a multitude of ritual observances to mark significant passages of ordinary life. These observances served as a constant reminder of their relationship with God. - Richard Niell Donovan

Mary and Joseph were faithful in the ordinary; they fulfilled everything that was required of them according to the Law of Moses, and this mattered in God's eyes.

For God's eyes watch over a man's ways, and He observes all his steps.' Job 34:21 CSB

We are no longer under the Law of Moses; we do not have to follow purification rites or offer sacrifices, but God expects the same of us as He expected of them: to be faithful in the ordinary and ready to fulfil everything He requires of us. Then, we will find favour with both God and man.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

Granted to See the Extraordinary

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was there also. Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel, meaning he was waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit was on him and had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts, saw Jesus, took him in his arms, and praised God, saying:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:29-32

Simeon's greatest desire was to see the Messiah, he longed to see the promise of God fulfilled, and he was expectant.

We often assume that Simeon was old and therefore content to die after seeing Jesus, but according to Jewish tradition, Simeon is said to have lived many years after this occurred.

Simeon was faithful in the ordinary, and God granted him to see the extraordinary, his eyes were open to see what others could not see.

Simeon discerned the voice of the Spirit and obeyed by going to the temple courts at the exact time Mary and Joseph were there. While the priests in the temple did not recognise Jesus as the Messiah, the Holy Spirit revealed this to him, and he testified and bore witness to everyone present.

Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon also prophesied about the child's destiny: Jesus would bring salvation to all nations, but many in Israel would not recognise Him.

This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too. Luke 2:34-35

Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph, but his prophecy for Mary was not comforting; rather, it was a prophecy that would no doubt have caused her fear and worry.

Despite her faithfulness, Mary was not spared from fears and worries about what the future held for her child.

Turning Worry into Worship

In the temple, there was also a prophetess named Anna, who was very old.

Anna had been married for only seven years before her husband died, and since then, she had never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Through everything that she did, Anna served God.

The Holy Spirit revealed Jesus, the Messiah, to her as well, and she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna was a devout and faithful woman, and although God had allowed affliction in her life, she did not dwell in sorrow and despair; instead, she turned her affliction into faithful service to God. Anna transformed her fears and worries into praise and worship.

Simeon and Anna were faithful, righteous, and devout, and they found favour in God's eyes. God granted them revelation and eyes to see what others could not see. They recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Saviour. They understood that prophecy had been fulfilled that day and bore witness to everyone who was also expectant.

What Does God Require of Us?

God has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness and to live obediently before your God. Micah 6:8 NET

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' Micah 6:8b NIVUK

God requires faithfulness, He calls us to hold expectations and aspirations that are aligned with His will.

We may not be spared from fears or worries, but God's favour will rest upon us. And He may open our eyes to see what others cannot see: His power displayed and at work, to fulfil His plans and purposes in our time in history.