Ready to Die

I am ready to die. This is a statement often made in our later years of life, as our bodies grow weak and our spirits grow weary. Two thousand years ago, another man told the Lord that he was ready to die, and in this week’s message we will try to understand what he meant by this statement.


Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
Now 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ”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.”


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon The Fulfillment of a Promise delivered on Christian Crusaders December 26, 2004.

I pray that the messages from God’s Word in this Christmas season will give us courage to go forth in the name of Christ to stand for what is right. We hear the argument: What is right? What is right for you might not be right for another person. Right is right. These words have no place in the life of a committed Christian. Our Father, in His Word, has taught us the absolutes. One of these great truths is that the Lord Jesus, who once was held in the arms of Simeon, now offers to hold us in his arms where we are safe forevermore. . . God never told us we would not have crushing blows in our lives. However, He did assure us that he could use these blows to bring us great blessings.


Happy New Year
The staff of Christian Crusaders — Homer Larsen, Steve Kramer, Janet Mennen, Crystal Gooding Smith, Janet Freed, Jerry Easter, and Matthew Hundley — wish our Web site visitors, listeners, and supporters a blessed new year. God grant that 2013 may bring you and your family peace, happiness, and good health. We thank you for your generous support throughout the year.

On the Light Side
Report From the Doctor’s Office:
Good News: “Well, well. It seems your weight is perfect.”
Bad News: “Unfortunately, you just happen to be eleven feet too short!”