Recognizing Jesus

Just felt the need to re-post this...originally from November of 2008...


Luke 2:25-32
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

If Jesus walked in at dinner time, sat down in an empty chair and started eating spaghetti and meatballs with your family, would you recognize Him? How about if He showed up at your next basketball or soccer game? Or what if He came through the drive through at McDonald's while you were working at the window? He might be tough to recognize, especially if He were wearing modern clothes.

Simeon recognized Jesus in the temple even though Jesus was a baby. He had been praying so long to see Him that he recognized him immediately. He'd been waiting for this moment his whole life and he knew what was expected of him.

If we quietly pay attention to God each and every day, we won't be surprised whenever or wherever He shows up---even if it's a drive through window.