In the Temple

     In the Temple      

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him,

And the world did not know Him-Jn.1:10.

           

Jerusalem’s temple buzzed with activity. Old and young alike excitedly flocked into the sanctuary each seeking his own purpose.

            

Various reasons attracted the multitude to the same religious edifice. God Himself was not the only reason that people thronged to Jehovah’s temple.  Mammon, tradition, and self as well were eagerly sought and worshipped there.

            

Joseph and Mary were in the temple, but not for the fellowship of the brethren or to gain understanding of God’s word. The dictates of tradition conveniently explain their presence. Fulfilling the legal requirements of the law was given  precedence over their actual meaning … The parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the Law-Lk.2:27.

            

The wonderful things spoken of Mary’s Child were hidden in her heart, but the realization was obscured to her notice! Seeking the blessing and pronouncements of the high-priest were uppermost in the minds of the young couple in attending the religious meeting.

  
            

The high-priest himself was not in the temple to worship God. The performing of religious duties to the applause of fellow mortals was his unworthy intention.

            

Scheming about temple programs and ensuring that offering boxes were set in order replaced love for God and thirst after righteousness. Waiting for God’s salvation and the Consolation of Israel had long faded from the high-priest’s vision. Now, waiting for the people and their bountiful offerings were what satisfied priestly longings. The priests did not say, “Where is the Lord?” and those who handle the law did not know Me-Jer.2:8.

            

The merchants had their place as well. Neither God nor the high-priest were the objects of their allegiance. They were the undisputed devotees of Mammon, doves, the changing of money, and lambs were offered then. Anointing oil, tithe envelopes, miracle handkerchiefs, and calendars are supplied in the church of today. But they are not provided for free to benefit the needy, instead they are marketed for the purposes of self-gain and human exploitation.

            

The multitudes, a devotionless crowd, graced the religious occasions. Without consecration to God, they occupied every seat throughout the rows. Devoid of affection for the sacred, they joyfully formed social groups in the temple. Being incurably religious, they expend their passions by launching choir groups, prayer champion teams, and corps of temple ushers.

            

Simeon, apart from the godless multitudes, was just and devout…and the Holy Spirit was upon Him-Lk.2:25. He was in the temple to worship God. He loved God and he loved His fellowship. So intense was his thirst and hunger for righteousness, that it had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ-Lk.2:26.

              

The Lord’s salvation; this was Simeon’s heart’s desire. It was all he had been waiting and diligently searching for. And in fulfillment of the word of the Lord, his hope was not disappointed. Thus we see that he came by the Spirit of the Lord into the temple-Lk.2:27.  The Spirit Himself was responsible for Simeon’s presence in God’s house, hence fulfilling God’s word, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled-Mtt.5:6.

              

Anna was another choice vessel of the Spirit, who amidst the hustle and bustle of temple activities, served God with fastings and prayers night and day-Lk.2:37. Though aged and weak, personal interests of long life and health had no place in her prayers, rather, the worship of God was her heartbeat.

              

None, except Simeon and Anna, were in the temple purely to serve God. Others had their own agendas in ascending the ancient stairs. Though these were acknowledged as worshippers by the temple authorities, none except Simeon and Anna were approved by the Holy Spirit.

              

The God of heaven despite their religious activities rejects carnal worshippers. His bread is for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness [Mtt.5:6].

              

It is no mystery then that, though a multitude was present, Simeon and Anna were singled out for insight into the hidden things of God. Listen to Simeon happily say, my eyes have seen Your salvation-Lk.2:30. Hear Anna as she joyfully spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem-Lk.2:38.

              

Salvation comes by revelation. Blessed are you…for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but My Father who is in heaven-Mtt.16:17. Simeon and Anna saw the Lord Jesus for who He truly is. Joseph and his wife Mary, holding Jesus in her arms, marveled at those things which were spoken of Him-Lk.2:33. They did not  see what Simeon and Anna saw. The couple were simply in the temple with the Child to do for Him according to the custom of the law-Lk.2:27.

              

It was Simeon and Anna who blessed Mary and her Child, not the high-priest. Mary’s offerings was too insignificant to draw the high-priest’s attention or prayers.

Neither the crowd nor their high-priest were aware of the fact that the consummation of centuries’ long prophecies was present in their midst. Though the Light was among them, they profitlessly engaged themselves in the vanity of religion’s spiritual darkness.

              

Friend, have you ever seen what Simeon saw? Jesus is God’s salvation. If you are yet to realize this, though you are in the church, you are yet in darkness and have seen nothing.

           

Jesus said…have I been with you so long,

And yet you have not known Me?-Jn.14:9