Bible Pathway - Aug. 10, 2012

Highlights:

Judgment on Babylon; Christ, a Light to the Gentiles; God's mercy to Israel in her captivity.

I will also give Thee for a Light to the Gentiles; that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth (Is. 49:6).

At the time Mary and Joseph were approaching the Temple with Baby Jesus, Simeon was waiting for the Light to lighten the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until after he had seen the consolation of Israel (2:25).

When he saw Mary and Joseph, there was nothing to indicate that the baby they held was the Prince of peace. These two humble peasants were bringing the child to the Temple to present Him to the Lord . . . And to offer a sacrifice according to . . . the Law of the Lord (2:22-24).

Simeon was equally unpretentious. He was not the high priest; he was not even a priest. He was only a devout, godly Jew looking for the coming of the Lord. Holding the Baby Jesus, he announced the fulfillment of the prophecy which was given to Isaiah 700 years before our Savior's birth. The foretelling of our Lord's coming had been prophesied for a very long time. Many people had probably come to doubt that the Savior was coming. Some had probably lost all faith that it would happen. However, Simeon and other believers like him had kept their confidence in the Word of God. They were waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 1:7). They were waiting on God to fulfill His promise. We should likewise be ready for the Lord to return. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:16-17).

How easy it is to miss some of the greatest moments of our lives! We must continually be watchful and listening to hear from God. He is always on the move and He speaks to His children. We must be tuned in to hear what God is saying to us. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:20). We, like Simeon, must be ready to be moved by the Spirit of God!

For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou has prepared before the face of all people; A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel (Luke 2:30-32).

Thought for Today:

God reveals His will to those who humbly seek to please Him.

Christ Revealed:

As the Light to the Gentiles (nations) (Is. 49:6). Jesus said: I am the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:23).

Word Studies:

47:8 carelessly, securely; 47:11 put it off, avert or avoid it; 47:15 quarter, own region; 48:2 stay, rely; 48:10 refined, tested; not with silver, not like silver, which requires heat you could not bear; 49:21 removing, wandering.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Rev. Gladys V. Davis • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Peru (26 million) on the western coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Open to evangelism and Bible distribution • 90% Christian; 8% non-Religious/Other; 1.2% Traditional ethnic; .3% Buddhist; .09% Baha'i; .02% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord for deliverance in times of trouble (Ps. 50:15).

Optional Reading: James 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Habakkuk 3:18