Luke 2

Luke 2,   January 6, 2015


For some reason the first thing that caught my eye as I read this very familiar account was the absence of the flight to Egypt.   When you read Luke's account, it's as if it never happened.  I mean, verse 39 says "they did what they needed to do, and then returned to Nazareth" (my words).  There isn't even a mention that for months, or maybe a year? they were out of the country.   Luke is a smart guy, he knew very well that they were in Egypt.  Why leave it out?    Some scholars speculate that it was because of the audience to which the letter was written.   Matthew wrote to the Jewish people, who would have known that Herod's murderous anger was prophesied.   Luke was writing to a Gentile audience...specifically to a gentleman named Theophilus.  (Luke and Acts are companion letters).   There was no need to mention the flight to Egypt to a Gentile, it would have required further explanation, and wouldn't have reinforced the story line at all.  Therefore, Luke skips right over it.  
It reminds me that there are undoubtedly other things that Jesus said and did that have escaped the pages of scripture.  We won't know about them until we get to heaven, I guess.


Before I close this thought, I want to comment on Simeon and Anna.  These two saints were praying and fasting in the temple for years...Anna had been there almost her whole adult life.  From what I see written here, it was primarily for this purpose, to call attention to Jesus.   I take away from this account that God would is pleased to allow some to remain in obscurity for many years, with only a 2-3 minute window of "fame".   Anna wasn't looking to be famous, she was focused on being obedient, and while she was serving the Lord, and enjoying His presence, she was blessed with a special honor...to meet and prophesy over the Deliverer.    It is a completely worthwhile use of a lifetime to remain obedient to the Lord, even if it means serving in obscurity.   Also, the lack of fame and fortune are not indicators that God is displeased.   Anna appears to have had little, but her name and her message are remembered and repeated more than any sermon you will ever hear.


Most of us (myself included) have enjoyed many confirmations of our ministry.  Our friends encourage us and cheer us on.  We see the results of our ministry all around us.  Sure, we wish we were even more effective, but we see some effectiveness.    I wonder if Simeon and Anna endured many years of wondering what their purpose in life was, or if they were really in God's will, while they waited for their moment.   I wonder if Simeon ever prayed "how much longer, God?" or "Lord, did you already appear and I missed it?"


In any case, I celebrate and marvel at the faithfulness and dedication of these two faithful servants who remained holy for many years and spoke the right word at the right time.   What satisfaction it must have brought to their soul as they realized that God was speaking through them.


Blessings,


PR