Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Luke 2:28, “He took Him up in his arms and blessed God.”

Background

During the NCAA basketball tournament of 1974, the star player from my favorite team was injured. Racing down court during the first half of a game, David Thompson jumped to block an opponent’s shot and, being the high-flyer that he was, his feet clipped the shoulders of one of his teammates and caused him to flip to the floor, landing on his head. After many minutes, he was wheeled out on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. As his team battled into the second half, the doctors found no significant injuries and he was taken back to the gym. With his head wrapped in a bandage like a civil war soldier, he walked back onto the court to sit with his team, evoking perhaps the loudest cheers that arena had ever heard as he sat and watched. His team responded as well, going on to win the game by 28 points. He did return to the court for the rest of the tournament, eventually leading his team to the national championship. One of the greatest to ever play, he did things on the court that had never been done before. And he took his team where it had never gone before. He was a leader, a deliverer, a savior.

Application

But 2,000 years earlier, a man named Simeon went to the temple, and a couple brought in their baby as the law had prescribed. As he went to them, he held their child in his arms. Simeon, standing in the temple, held in his arms the Son of God in the flesh. Destined to be the leader, the deliverer, the savior, this baby Jesus did not enter the temple to a throng of applause. But Simeon recognized Him for who He was. Sent from God, this baby would not only bring salvation, He was salvation. Simeon held in his arms eternal life. He, too, would be tripped and fall, but three days later He would rise forever. There would be no end to his career, no fading of applause as His skills diminished. There would never be a time when He would not deliver or save. What you may hold in your hands or have in your wallet might be impressive, but it cannot save. Hold Him closest, and you will hold salvation forever.

Charge

As we seek Him today, examine whether you hold your relationship with Jesus preciously in your arms. Look to see what might be getting your applause that doesn’t really deserve it.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words