“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”
Recently, my daughter has been cycling with me after work. It has been a blast chatting and riding. I know all the roads and all the hills because I have been riding in these parts for quite a while now. Before we would come to a hill, I would warn her to downshift and get ready to climb. Knowing I am a more experienced rider, she shifts down and climbs the hills. My goal is to have a good time, so I try to get her ready for unseen challenges before she rides up on them.
Simeon was a man of God, and the Lord had told him that he would see the Messiah before he died. When Jesus was being presented at the temple according to Jewish custom, Simeon saw the child, and the Holy Spirit told him that the child in Mary’s arms was the Messiah, God’s Son in the flesh. He then told them this child was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. Mary and Joseph marveled at what was said about Jesus.
A prophet named Anna also showed up and was telling everyone in the temple about Jesus. It is not hard to see that God was working and speaking to Simeon and Anna while Mary and Joseph were marveling at all the hype.
You may be in the place Mary and Joseph were, perplexed and marveling, not completely understanding all of the hype. You may have received a directive from work, a new job, a word from a friend, or even some wise counsel from your parents, and you just cannot connect the dots yet. Why is this happening? I don’t get why this is such a big deal, or you just don’t understand your life right now at all. You are in the same place Mary and Joseph were, forced to listen to some older people about something you don’t understand.
I am sure Mary and Joseph were just taking it all in, not really understanding what impact Jesus would have. Sometimes God opens up a glimpse of the future for us, and sometimes He does not. We should be focused on following the Lord no matter what in every situation. If Mary and Joseph had skipped the ritualistic temple appearance, they would have never received the word from the Lord that Simeon and Anna had.
Just like me calling out the hills before we rode up them, the Lord wants to guide you into righteousness. Go on your own, and you may not get the nudge from the Holy Spirit you need to weather the storm properly. The Bible says that the Lord goes before you and levels the mountains. Life may be unclear and seemingly without direction, but stay the course the Lord has put right in front of you. You may not see what is down the road, but if you are following the Lord, He will prepare you for it, no matter what it is. Shift down, a hill is coming up, and get ready to climb.
Prayer: Father, I know you speak to me all the time. I am aware that I fail to hear you or heed your direction sometimes. I pray that I will always have an open ear, ready to listen to you and heed your direction. I know you are guiding me, and I will listen and keep moving forward, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Let It Go 
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