It won’t be easy. Would you continue a task if you received this warning? If the mission isn’t important, probably not. But if the job is critical, you would buckle down and move forward despite the hardships.
As Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph, they were amazed at what he said. Jesus will fulfill the prophecies. Yet, in this good news, there is a warning, possibly the first mention, of suffering to come.
Wounding of a Mother’s Heart
Mary has just given birth to Jesus, and a stranger is speaking words of praise and prophecy over her Son. For with Jesus, there would be no neutral ground. Either people would joyfully accept Him, or they would totally reject Him. Those who received Him would see Him as a sign of revelation and salvation. Those that rejected Him would reveal what was inside their hearts.
For Jesus would bring the kingdom of God with Him and confront the kingdom of this world. There would be a battle as prophecies came true. Simeon warned Mary that a sword would pierce her soul. What would happen? Her Son would face widespread rejection, and this would be grieving. Then, she would experience great pain as she watched Him die on the cross. Mary was the only person to witness both the birth of Jesus and His death. It wouldn’t be easy.
It Isn’t Always Easy
Mary praised and worshipped God because she knew God had blessed her to be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:48). Even though all generations that know Jesus will know Mary, her life wasn’t easy.
Our journey following Jesus isn’t easy, either. Jesus, Himself warns us, John 16: 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. [1] We will find opposition as we follow Jesus, but the journey is worth the hardship. Jesus gives us the promise that He overcomes, and we can find His peace in strife. To learn how it won’t be easy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-reward-is-worth-the-wait
[1]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.