A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against "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 on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." 33The child's father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. 34Then 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:25-35)
The controversial character of the Gospel Committed Christians today seem to be astonished of how contemporary society, all over the world, in one way or another, is opposed to genuine Christian faith. This opposition may take several shapes: indifference, marginalisation or outright opposition and persecution. Sometimes we have the impression that, in this world, everything seems to succeed and find a large following except the Biblical Gospel, which is systematically falsified, contradicted and spoken against. We hear about persecution against Christians taking place in different parts of the world subjected to hostile political and religious regimes. It is with utter unbelief that we see now persecution of different sorts against committed Christians taking place in Western countries too, countries which used to be described as “Christian countries”. We see even in Great Britain now militant atheists becoming more and more aggressive and taking power in society. Under the pretext of defending human rights and a pretended neutrality (called ”political correctness”) more and more they force their secularist ideology on everybody, promoting it militantly through the major media, schools and legislation. What in the past was suppressed or considered socially unacceptable, becomes today a “right” to be actively asserted. All this often happens as intimidated mainline churches are forced to silence or seem to be ready to compromise their historical teaching. In a booklet entitled: “Marginalised Christians, Instances of Christians Being Sidelined in Modern Britain, published by “The Christian Institute”, which promotes Christian principles and defends persecuted Christians, we read: “When ‘diversity rules’ are used to justify suspending a nurse who offered to pray for a patient’s recovery, as happened to Caroline Petrie on 17 December 2008, something has gone very wrong in modern Britain. This report examines the growing marginalisation of Christians and catalogues cases of discrimination. In January 2009 a poll showed that more than four out of five churchgoers (84 per cent) think that religious freedoms, of speech and action, are at risk in the UK. A similar proportion (82 per cent) feel it is becoming more difficult to live as a Christian in an increasingly secular country. This growing sense of intolerance felt by Christians is made all the worse when they face hostility in the name of ‘equality and diversity’. Christians wonder why they are not being treated equally and why diversity does not include them. They feel that a hierarchy of rights has sprung up which leaves them bottom of the pile. This has led to a growing feeling that ‘equality and diversity’ A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 1 of 7
is code for marginalising Christian beliefs. In July 2009 a senior Anglican Bishop wrote that mounting equality laws have made Britain a “‘cold’ place for Christians”. The Bishop of Winchester wrote: “The sad fact is that Britain – which owes so much to its Christian heritage – is increasingly becoming a ‘cold’ place for Christians which, as any reflection on the fruit of Christian good works will demonstrate, is not in the general interest of society.” The Rt Revd Michael Scott Joynt reportedly said there appeared to be a concerted attack on the rights of Christians and when there were clashes, the rights of other groups triumphed.”1
The reality of a conflict All this should not come for us a surprise, if we are aware of the spiritual condition in which our world is immersed and the Bible clearly reveals to us. Since the beginning there has always been an irreconcilable hostility between God and Satan, who had become "the Prince of this World" (John 16:11) usurping God's legitimate authority. There has always been an irreconcilable spiritual hostility between the children of God, faithful to Him, and those whom the Bible calls "children of the devil" (1 John 3:10)2, who aim to carry out his subversive3 purposes. In Genesis 3:16, God says to the serpent: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Nobody likes to live in a permanent state of war, but this is the reality of the world we live in. It is pointless to shut our eyes in the face of it, pretending that this situation of spiritual conflict does not exist. Many, in fact, do, like the ostriches which "hide their head in the sand", that is, they foolishly ignore this fact, while hoping it will magically vanish. Actually ostriches do not do this, but this is what the proverb says4. In this conflict between God and His adversary nobody could expect even to be neutral, refrain from taking a stand. Jesus Himself, in fact, said: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Luke 11:23). The spiritual separation and warfare that God Himself has established between His holy people and the godless world of men and women outside Christ has been called: the antithesis. This antithesis has been apparent since the time of Cain and Abel. It runs all through the Biblical history of God's people and – we can well understand why – had its climax as Jesus, the Son of God par excellence, came into this world. We can see this conflict raging during His earthly ministry and epitomised in His suffering, death on a cross and resurrection. The early church has also been aptly described as 'the church militant'. Ever since the Pentecost, the Church had challenged the enemies of God to desert the 'Prince of this World'. She proclaimed the Gospel and wherever converts were won, it meant a gain for the Kingdom of God and a loss in the ranks of Satan’s domain. To believers, demons were awesome, real and frightening. Every 1 Marginalising Christians, Instances of Christians being sidelined in modern Britain, The Christian Institute, december 2009, foreword. In: http://www.christian.org.uk/resources/publications/religious-liberty-publications/ 2 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44); "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Those who do not do what is right are not God's children; nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:10). 3 “Subversive” means: Intended or serving to subvert, especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government, namely God's. 4 http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2006/11/02/1777947.htm - See this explanation on the fact that in reality ostriches never hide their head in the sand. A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 2 of 7
Christian had a task to confess Christ as Saviour and Lord and to fight the good fight of faith. And the battle was fought not only in the private sphere of life, but also in the world of culture, commerce and philosophy. The Church saw paganism as the terrain of the devil5. She not only confronted demon possession in individuals, but also saw the devil’s influence in the society at large, in the worship of idols, fortune telling, and in the attending of public entertainments, where the whole sexual degeneration of the gods were acted out. As was predicted by our Lord6, the Church was bitterly opposed, because of her antithetical stance. Wherever the Church actively opposes immorality, injustice, corruption and persecution, persecution and attacks on Christians can be expected as a reaction. The World will not easily let go of her ill-gained territory. The Biblical prophecies repeatedly remind us of the spiritual conflict existing between God and His adversary pictured as the opposition between light and darkness. Particularly significant, in this instance, are the rhetorical questions of Psalm 2: “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed” (Psalm 2:1-2). We find one of these prophecies in our Bible reading today, as God makes Mary aware, through Simeon, an old and pious man who was often in the Temple, of the particular destiny of her Son: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against” (34). This worldly opposition was one reason why He to be “spoken against?”
A Revelation to Godly people The main characters of this story are humble and godly people who loved God and, with trust and obedience, made themselves available to Him: Mary, Joseph and Simeon. They had to be made aware of a conflict, they were not be exempted from and for which they had to be prepared, as we also have to. This prophecy came as we see Jesus' parents, after 40 days from the birth of their child, going to the Temple with Him. They were genuinely godly parents, a man and a woman faithful and obedient to God. They wanted to express their gratitude to God for the gift of the child that they had received. They expressed their gratitude by obeying the requirements of God's law recorded in the Bible for their time, namely bringing to the temple an offering. As faithful members of God's people, they knew the Bible, they trusted it as His Word and diligently obeyed it. As every other faithful couple did with their children, by bringing their child to the temple since His early age, they solemnly dedicated their son to God's service. But His consecration to God had a special meaning, as Jesus was destined in his life to accomplish a great mission. They certainly had dreams and plans for their child – as every parent has – but, although painful, they showed themselves ready to accept God's plans for him. The life's purposes of a man or of a woman may be considered more or less important, but each human life has a purpose and it must be found in God. In the Temple they find, among others, Simeon, a genuine godly man, “righteous and devout” as “the Holy Spirit was on him” (25 a). Simeon “was waiting for the consolation of Israel” (25 b), that is - he eagerly waited for the appearance in the world of the Messiah, the Saviour, which the prophets had announced as imminent in that generation. For us, the Saviour has already come, but we still have to eagerly and earnestly seek and pray that God may fully “reveal” Jesus to us, and apply to us, personally, all the promised benefits of the Gospel. Simeon, furthermore, was an elderly man. He was not, so to say, ready to die before having had the personal experience of meeting the Saviour of the World. In his case: “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah” (26). He knew 5 Romans 1:24; Galatians 5:19-21. 6 Matthew 5:10-12; John 5:18ss. A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 3 of 7
that he could die in peace only after having personally met the Saviour. His prayer was answered, as this prayer is always gladly answered by God every time a man or a woman calls upon the name of the Lord in order to be saved from his or her sins and to be reconciled to God. What a joy, for Simeon, to be there in the Temple exactly at the time Joseph and Mary brought in the baby Jesus. We can imagine him lifting his head from prayer and meeting with his eyes the approaching couple who had the little Jesus with them. He was sure now that his prayer had been answered. He saw that boy, asked his parents to be allowed to hold 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” (29). This could also be an illustration for us, for the act of receiving Jesus in our lives as God offers Him as our own personal Saviour and Lord.
The prophecy It is at the end of this story that we find the same Simeon who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, becomes the mouthpiece of God, as he pronounces a prophecy concerning Jesus: "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." (34,35). This is where the reality of the antithesis becomes prominent, for Joseph, Mary, Simeon, and us. It is with gratitude that we welcome Jesus as the one who saves us from our sins and reconciles us with God. In this world, nevertheless, as we all well know - there is everything but eagerness in the majority of people for accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord. To our astonishment, in fact, what we often find in people's views of Jesus is complete indifference or, more often, outright hostility and hatred: this the opposition of the World towards His claims and work coming from people spiritually enslaved and conditioned by “the Prince of this World”, the enemy of God, Satan. It comes, then, as no surprise what Simeon's prophecy tells us about Jesus. In fact, more often than not, Jesus was, is and will be someone who is “spoken against” and contradicted. How is it possible? Because Jesus is “a light for revelation”. The Gospel is a light that exposes sin and its negative consequences and calls people to repentance. Most people, nevertheless, want to live, in their own way, and love what God calls “sin”. They have no intention of abandoning this way of life and delude themselves into thinking that sin will have "no consequences" for them: but it will not be the case, if they do not repent of their sins and turn to Christ with faith as their Saviour and Lord. The World refuses to believe this and speaks against it. So Satan and his followers thought to get rid of Jesus by killing Him. They did not and do not want to hear the Gospel. They would do it again today, if they could, and oppose and reject those who bring this message and who live it out. This is why we must be prepared and ready to suffer, for a while, as Mary had to herself, concerning whom, the prophecy said: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (35). Let us examine this prophecy of Simeon better: it is not meant to sadden us and it is not meant only to make us more resilient to the inevitable difficulties and suffering implied in following Christ.
A twofold sign This prophecy tells us that Jesus would be “a sign that will be spoken against”. What does it mean that Jesus is a “sign”? A sign in English is an indicator, such as a dropping or footprint, of the A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 4 of 7
trail of an animal, something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality. It could also mean a posted notice bearing a designation, direction, or command. The combination of "sign" with "falling" and "rising" seems to suggest, nevertheless, that for "sign" this prophecy means something similar to the occurrences when the Bible compares Jesus to a stone, a “living stone”7. This 'falling and rising' in the Bible relates to a “stone”. This makes it both negative and positive. 1) A stone may be "a stone of stumbling", a stumbling block, a stone that causes people to stumble. "He will be a holy place; for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall" (Isaiah 8:14); "We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" (1 Corinthians 1:23). Christ for many even today is so offensive that they must reject Him or twist Him to suit their preferences. For them, the Biblical Christ is really “unbearable”, like a burning conscience, that will not let them sleep in peace. They reject this “stone”, but they find it always in their way, making them “stumble” and frustrating their attempt to be happy and to live, as if God did not exist. They cannot avoid being confronted by Jesus. 2) On the contrary, for the elect, this stone is extremely precious, a precious “cornerstone”, the foundation itself of their life8."Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.'They stumble because they disobey the message —which is also what they were destined for" (1 Peter 2:7-8). They step on this stone, to rise higher. They build their lives up on it; they are lifted up by it and edified. What kind of “stone” is Jesus for your life? A stumbling block causing you to fall or the precious foundation of your whole life, causing you to be raised to a significant and eternal life?
The character of Christ's mission This is the character of Christ's mission. Our text says: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel" (34a). "Falling" was indeed what happened to Jesus' first disciples. In the days of Christ's suffering and shameful death, His disciples abandoned Him and fled. They had "fallen" from Him. Jesus' death was for them a scandal, a shameful thing. They would have been, nevertheless, raised up, put again "on their feet", restored, rehabilitated in their faith and in His favour, after His resurrection. It is also universally true that all those who come to Jesus must likewise "fall". They must give up their presumption, their selfishness, their sins, in order that they may be raised again, in newness of life. Saul of Tarsus had to be pulled down, literally made to fall, to tumble down to the ground from his horse. He had been determined to persecute and destroy the Church but instead he was raised up as a new man, chosen instrument consecrated to the Gospel9. Zaccheus10 had to come down from the tree he had climbed in order to welcome Jesus and salvation in his own home. This is why the Apostle Paul wrote: "If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will 7 This sign has also been understood as the brazen serpent lifted up by Moses: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." (John 3:14). It is consequently an ensign of the people to look at, and gather to, for comfort, peace, righteousness, salvation, and eternal life; but is by many contradicted, opposed, and treated with contempt and abhorrence; so that he appears rather to be set as a mark and butt to shoot at, a mark to targeting, "the cause of all evil". 8 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). 9
Acts 9.
10 Luke 19:5. A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 5 of 7
certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Romans 6:5). The same was true in God's purposes for Israel. Israel had to fall into spiritual decay, fall from God's favour, so that the elect, the chosen ones among the other nations would be grafted in God's people. Likewise, the historical Israel will be spiritually "raised up" again when Christ will come back: "In this way all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26).
The character of Christ Himself The character of Christ Himself openly shows how he is "a sign that will be spoken against," or "a sign which shall be contradicted". The Person and message of Jesus can really be "offensive" to many people, because of the disconcerting ambiguity of His Person [man or God], and due to the alarming clarity of His statements. Without doubt, Jesus' life and teaching, shook and scandalised many men and women, in their certainties. Jesus could be compared to a traffic light. A red light set before the eyes of those who doubt and those who refuse to repent. A yellow light of danger for those who ignore and pass beyond the Cross of Christ, thinking that they do not need Him because they are good enough and will be safe at God's judgement of can obtain a cheap grace. A green light of security, free transit for those who believe in Him and obey Him. Christ, "the sign" declares that the "traffic light" shows green for those who entrust themselves to Him.
The character of Christ's influence Our text says: “...a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (34-35). It is true even now that to come into contact with Jesus means that our inner thoughts will be revealed. Jesus, in fact, is the living Word that scans our hearts: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Are our thoughts and intentions for Him or against Him? Will we stand on Judgement Day when we are examined not only on what we say, but also what we have in our hearts? We must say to God in prayer: “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:2-7).
Conclusion The message of the Gospel is by necessity, then, controversial because it is an indictment against the godless lifestyle of this world, calling men and women to conversion. It is a message of salvation, but one that aims to pull people out of the dominion of “the Prince of this World”, God's enemy. We can be sure that he will not allow this to happen before having used all possible means to hinder it, and even afterwards, to reclaim, as if it were possible, those rescued for himself. Christ Himself, the message of the Gospel, will go on being spoken against in a world that allows him no space whatsoever. If they cannot prevail over the Church, we can be sure that God and His people will be marginalised, silenced and eventually persecuted. This is what the Word of God wants us to be aware of although never crushed completely. As for Mary, facing the destiny of her beloved child, being a Christian was going to be painful, in one way or another. Not a few of our contemporaries, in fact, refuse the Jesus of the Biblical Gospel or prefer “an easier one” because they see His controversial character as inconvenient and troubling. A Sign That Will Be Spoken Against, p. 6 of 7
Their desire for a "peaceful life" makes of them conformists, unwilling to embrace any cause which, as the Biblical Gospel does, would throw them into unwelcome conflict. Is this a viable alternative, though? No. Jesus Himself said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13). It will be painful, but, as the Apostle Paul wrote: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). The actual spiritual conflict in which we are engaged, will become only for those who persevere, a victorious one. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 7:5-58). Paolo E. Castellina, February 4, 2010
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