Mission Liberty Hill    

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After a rather quiet birth, except for the celebration by shepherds who visited that night, the young family began life in Bethlehem. It was only natural that Jesus would be circumcised on the eighth day, and officially named Jesus. When Jesus was 40 days old, Joseph and Mary took Jesus on his first trip to the temple in Jerusalem, for the Rite of purification. It might not have been such a big deal; Bethlehem was only five miles from Jerusalem, except for the greeting they received on arriving at the temple.

This was a thoroughly Spirit-guided process. Luke tells us that the "Spirit was upon Simeon," the "Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord Christ before He died," the "Spirit moved Him to the temple courts" that day.

There is such great Good News as Jesus is spoken of by Simeon as "salvation" and "a light for revelation." He also speaks disturbing words about this child "who will cause the fall and rising of many in Israel" and "a sign that will be spoken against."

Only 40 days into his life, and already the indications of the difficulties awaiting the one would become the Savior of the world. While Simeon may not have fully known the implications of the words he was led to speak, his response was to take the child in his arms and give thanks to God.

In a similar manner, Anna "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel." When God's promises are fulfilled, there is always Good News for sharing.

We know that Anna was eighty-four, and the implication is that Simeon was also at an older part of his life. While we can't know how long either had been on their journey of faith, I have always imagined that both had also learned about God's promise of a Messiah at an early point in their lives.

For those of us who learned about Jesus when we are only children, there is a tendency to assume that most everyone else around us has certainly also heard about Jesus. Perhaps, that's the reason 98% of those who attend worship do not invite anyone else to worship with them in any given year. This, in spite of the reality, 82% of the un-churched say they are more likely to attend if invited.

Begin today - think about anyone you know who doesn't have a Church Family - pray regularly for them - look for an opportunity to invite them to any event at your church.

Think about it - Pray about it - Talk about it!

Rev. Walt Waiser

Pray  (As you pray include . . . people who don't know Christ; people who will plant & witness; people who pray. )  

Pray that the members of the Texas District embrace the mission.