THE RAREST OF JEWELS

It as been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  Since I don’t have room in this newsletter for a thousand words—and you might not take the time to read them—I will paint a picture of this Biblical principle: a virtuous woman is a rare jewel; a godly mother is of exquisite worth.  I found one in 1973—a treasure called Marilyn Crayton—who on August 24, 1974 became Marilyn Thurman.  Then in 1978, she became a mother with the arrival of the first of five children.  Her portrait in words will be framed by an acrostic of her name.

M—is for model.  She will be embarrassed to read this, of course—and she will quickly deny it, giving you all kinds of reasons why she is not that great a mother.  She isn’t perfect, but Marilyn is a model which every young woman would be wise to emulate.  Her daughters are following her pattern, and by my admittedly prejudiced opinion, are virtuous women as well.

A—is for Alert.  Marilyn has radar—a remarkable intuitive ability.  The kids will tell you she has eyes in the back of her head.  She is ever aware of dangers to the family and opportunities for good.  She has been an invaluable source of help in decision-making to me due to this quality. Her diligent study of the Word of God and sensitivity to the Spirit of God are the root of this.

R—is for Real.  I don’t know a person more real than Marilyn.  She is what she is and you know where she stands.  There is not a shred of pretense.  She hates subterfuge.  Marilyn is so transparent.  You don’t have to wonder what she’s thinking.  You can read her like a book.

I—is for Intercessor.  There is no telling where I would be if not for the faithful, fervent prayers of my wife.  She regularly cries out to God on behalf of our family and flock.  There have been times I have awakened in the night to hear her whispering passionate prayers.  When the “spiritual” preacher may want to collapse in slumber, she will often say, “Let’s pray.”

L—is for Loving.  Since Marilyn pledge her love to me, I have never doubted it for a moment.  She declares it and demonstrates it in a myriad of ways on a daily basis.  Her love for her children and grandchildren is so intense that you had rather try to rob a mama bear of her cubs than do something to her family.  All this flows from her love for the Lord. She loves people.

Y—is for Yielded. She follows the Biblical command to yield to my leadership.  She doesn’t hesitate to express her opinion, but when the final call must be made she defers to me.  Only one exception would be possible—her final allegiance is to Christ.  She is surrendered to Him.

N—is for Near.  She is not omnipresent as the Lord, but she stands by her man.  I know that some of you reading this are single or single again—and this partnership is something you crave or now miss.  If the Lord tarries His coming, one of us will likely slip away first and what a sorrowful thought!  For now, I just want to squeeze out every minute with her in this frantic life.

To all the women out there—let me challenge you to be virtuous.  For each wife, may I urge you to be godly.  To each mother who models holiness, I say, “Happy Mother’s Day!”  Men and children, heed the Biblical injunction:

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  (Proverbs 31:28-30 NKJV)

OUR COMMON FAITH

To Titus, a true son in our common faith….  (Titus 1:4a)

Paul, in greeting his young protégé, Titus, uses the expression, “our common faith.”  He does not mean by that, of course, that faith in Christ is a common thing, in the sense of being ordinary and cheap, like finding sand on the floor at a beach house.  No, our salvation is uncommonly wonderful!  Several elements that the Apostle mentions in this first chapter of Titus compel us to be in awe of amazing grace.  What Paul means is that this faith is something that all believers have in common.  It does not matter the country of our birth, the color of our skin, the number of our years, the size of our bank account, the amount of our education, the gender of our sex, or any other category that people put us in—we all have the same salvation—our common faith.  

Our common faith is one that is shared by the elect.  Paul writes of, “the faith of God’s elect” (v.1).  We are saved—not because we earned it or deserved it—but because a sovereign God chose us in sheer grace!  All of God’s redeemed were chosen by God before the foundation of the world, “promised before time began,” (v.2).  While we may not fully understand this, we exult in it!  Spurgeon said it this way, “I am sure He chose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards.”

Our common faith is one that is based on the truth.  Paul speaks of, “the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness” (v.1).  God uses His truth to call us to salvation—no exceptions.  Now, we may only understand a few fundamental matters of the Gospel when we come to faith—that we are sinners, that Christ is the Savior who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to bring eternal life, and that by faith in Him we can be saved—yet, the Gospel must be heard and we must acknowledge it.  No one is saved apart from the truth.  This makes us clean—godly and not ungodly in our position—and enables us to live a different lifestyle, progressively growing in godliness.

Our common faith is grounded in the immutable (v.2).  Paul speaks of hope, but not in this way:  “Are you saved?  Well, I hope so!”  That is not what Scripture means by hope.  Biblical hope is a confident assurance that what God has promised, God will fulfill.  It rests on the solid foundation of God’s immutable character.  He “cannot lie….”  It is eternal life for it was a promise made by God that is timeless—given before the world began and guarded when this word is no more!  If you could be saved and lose it—that wouldn’t be eternal!

Our common faith is manifested in the Gospel (v.3).  Who was the “preacher” who shared the Gospel with you?  It may have been your parents, it might have been a Sunday School teacher or Vacation Bible School worker, or perhaps a pastor.  All I know is that God uses human instrumentality to bring His witness to any and all who have faith.

Our common faith is evident in our regeneration (v.4).  Paul calls Titus a “true son,” not a pretender—the real deal.  He was born from above.  “Grace, mercy, and peace” came flowing down from the Father through the Son.  

We all have these in common—every child of God!  How uncommonly fantastic is our common faith!

BECOMING A MAN OF GOD

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  ‎Fight the good fight of faith….  (1 Timothy 6:11-12a)

One day the church doors are going to open and your casket will be rolled down the aisle.  Family will stand there grieving and friends will file by to pay their last respects.  What will they say about you?  When people gaze upon my still form, the one thing I want most for them to say is, “He was a man of God.”  I can think of no greater title.  No better legacy could be left to our children, men, than that.  Whatever else we leave behind, if those who know us best can say, “He was a man of God,” then we have lived a life worth living.  Paul tells us how in 1 Timothy 6.

The man of God knows what to FLEE (v.11a).  The expression “these things” are those discussed in verses 1-10.  There are some things that we must steer clear of or they will ruin our testimony.  What must we flee?

We flee a lazy aptitude (v.1-2).  The man of God is a man of industry and integrity on his job.  He gives a day’s work for a day’s wage.  Men of God are certainly faithful to worship at the church on Sunday, but they are likewise faithful to work at the job on Monday.  Scripture exhorts that whatever we do to do all to the glory of God!

We flee a lofty attitude (v.3-5). The man of God cannot be arrogant and egotistical—full of devilish pride.  Such a spirit is marked by ignorance (v.3-4a), intolerance (v.4b), and impurity (v.5).

We flee a lustful appetite (v.5-10).  As stated earlier we have a responsibility to be effective and excellent employees.  Yet, we dare not become workaholics or idolaters.   You can’t worship God and mammon.  Real success is found in verse 6.

The man of God also knows what to FOLLOW (v.11b).  It isn’t enough to be noted as to what you are against, but what you are for.

The man of God pursues “righteousness.”  He is right with God through faith in Christ and right with others through forgiveness.

He pursues “godliness.”  We reflect the character of God.  People see Jesus in us.  

He pursues “faith.”e HH  The man of God is a man of faith.  Faith comes from the Word and is expressed in prayer.  Are you a man of the Word and prayer?

He pursues “love.”  Love is the preeminent virtue.  It is the great commandment—loving God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves.

He pursues “patience.”  There is no magic pill to take to become a man of God.  We must also display patience with others.

He pursues “gentleness.”  We recognize that people are delicate—that they have sensitive feelings.  We don’t run over people.

The man of God knows when to FIGHT (v.12).  God has issued a call to arms.

We need to acknowledge the reality of the conflict.  Some of us don’t realize there is a war.  Satan is on the rampage because he knows his time is short.  Our faith, our freedom, and our family are under assault.  Wake up!  Get up!  Stand up!

We will then attain the reward of the conquest.  There is a victor’s crown.  Scripture promises a reward to the overcomer.

Many years ago I made a commitment to be a man of God.  Today I renew that goal.  Will you join me?  Ladies, will you pray for the men?

THE PROOF OF OUR PROFESSION

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  (1 John 1:6)

Talk is cheap.  I can claim to be Superman.  You would want to see me fly.  Around seventy percent of the American population claims to be Christian.  Where is the evidence?  Would the culture be in moral freefall if that were truly the case?  Let me be more direct.  Is there proof you can present that makes your profession of faith credible?

John’s intent in writing this first letter is so we can know for certain we are prepared to meet God.  He sums his purpose up in 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

True Christianity is not a mere set of beliefs someone subscribes to, but a Person that we believe in—and His name is Jesus Christ.  John opens the first chapter by pointing to Him and calls Him, “the Word of life” (v.1).  Real conversion rests on a genuine connection with Christ—for He is the source of eternal life.  As the Word, He has communicated God to us, disclosing the plan of salvation.  There is no salvation apart from Him.  Although we live in an age of “tolerance” and political correctness, which dogmatically asserts there are no moral absolutes, Scripture emphatically declares that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  It is not a religion that saves—it is a relationship with Christ that is required.

Why won’t religion work?  Why can’t we get sprinkled as a baby, confirmed as a teen, or baptized as an adult?  Isn’t joining a church and trying to be good, good enough?  John says the problem is this, “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”  (v.5)  God is inexpressibly holy and infinitely righteous, demanding moral perfection for those who would be in His heaven.  Who among us can claim that?  Even in the best person you have ever met, there is some darkness—so how can we be in right standing with God?

When by God’s gracious intervention, and the Holy Spirit’s call, we repent—turn from walking the path of darkness to the path of light (v.6-7)—the orientation of our life is changed—something so radical as to be described as a new birth.  It is unthinkable that such a work of God within us would not produce an effect in our lifestyle.  Only Christ can save us.  We are not saved because we decide to “clean up our act.”  The stain of sin is too dark and deep.  The blood of Christ alone can cleanse us.  The evidence that His blood has cleansed us, however, will be seen in holy living.

Does this mean that one who comes to Christ is perfect?  As to our position in Christ, we are accepted in Him, but as to our practice, it is progressive, and we will stumble at times.  Even so, provision is made for cleansing (v.9) and the child of God will want that fellowship restored. God is faithful and just to forgive us of all sin, but we must confess—the word means to agree—acknowledging our need and receiving Christ.  Do you have this new life?  If not I beg you—come to Christ today!

OBEDIENCE—JUST DO IT!

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble….  (2 Peter 1:10)

There is no substitute for obedience in the Christian life.  If Jesus is Lord, then my duty is to submit to Him in all things.  The trajectory of my life is to be more and more in alignment with His will.  This is what is called for in 2 Peter 1:1-11.

We have THE RESOURCES FOR OBEDIENCE (v.1-4).  Some may protest that the expectation for obedience is too high.  “I’m only human!” is the excuse.  We are human—with all the fleshly frailties inherent—but Peter tells us we are not only human, we are “partakers of the divine nature….” There are supernatural resources at our disposal.  Reliance on Jesus brings all He is to bear on our situation—the infinite power of God.  There is promise after promise concerning these resources, and God is always faithful to His Word.  Ultimately, Jesus indwells us to live out His life through us!

Next, consider THE REACH OF OBEDIENCE (v.5-7).  God’s demand for obedience extends to every dimension of existence.  It is to be our diligent pursuit.  We are not to be passive, but passionate in seeking spiritual progress.  Peter uses terms throughout the text that speak of an abundant life!

The abundant life begins with “faith.”  Faith is the foundation upon which we build the Christian life, and is the cement by which we add each block of spiritual development.  We add to our faith, “virtue.”  This is moral excellence, which demonstrates the reality of our faith.  Then to virtue, we add “knowledge.”  We are called out of the darkness of ignorance about God into the light of knowing Him.  Each step of obedience opens up new horizons of understanding and with new understanding comes new vistas of obedience.  Knowledge leads to “self-control.”  Fleshly appetites—God-given drives, perverted by sin—are mastered by us, rather than the passions mastering us.  Self-control brings us to “perseverance.”  We keep moving forward in faith.  Even when we stumble, we get up and go on—pressing ahead in obedience.  Perseverance then yields “godliness.”  It is an attitude of reverence for God, which brings the action of response to God, resulting in our lives reflecting the image of God.  Godliness is expressed in “brotherly kindness.”  Devotion to the Father is manifested in a disposition of kindness toward His family.  That brings us to the pinnacle of spiritual development: “love.”  Since God is love, it is reasonable that those who follow Christ should have this quality in abundance.

Peter proceeds to show THE RESULTS OF OBEDIENCE (v.8-11).  We reap what we sow—and an abundant application of obedience will yield a bumper crop of spiritual growth.  There will be much fruit, and by that, we glorify God.  Each step of obedience brings us into greater fellowship with Christ—the things of this fallen world receding, and the beauties of eternity beckoning.  Our obedience furnishes a testimony of the reality of our faith—conduct giving credibility to our claims.  Then, some day, we can cross the finish line in victory, winning the crown for steadfast obedience!  Just do it!

WANTED: WISDOM

“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?”  (Job 28:12)

There are things about the story of Job that we know—about which Job was clueless.  Even so, we still find ourselves struggling to fit all the pieces of this painful and perplexing puzzle together.  Job’s friends said much that was truthful, but they took some truths and reasoned to the wrong conclusion.  A little error makes a large difference. Set sail from New York harbor, bound for England, and deviate by just one degree and you will end up on the African coast rather than the British shore!  Only one knows it all—God—and that is why Job cries out to Him for wisdom in this twenty-eighth chapter.

Consider THE VANITY OF WORLDLY ACHIEVEMENT (Job 28:1-11).  Job rehearses that which we well know—the heart of man will dig up a mountain to discover a precious gem or piece of gold.  All about us are those who give themselves to the relentless pursuit of the material.  The richest man who ever lived—King Solomon—declared the vanity of such worldly achievement.  Your bank vault can be full and your heart can be empty.  Jesus posed the question, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”  (Mark 8:36)  Job knew the fleeting nature of wealth.  He possessed great abundance, yet it was yanked away in a moment.  Such is the nature of worldly achievement.

In contrast, recognize THE VALUE OF WISDOM’S ADORNMENT (Job 28:12-19).  We can adorn our body with jewels set in silver or chains of gold, and when our form is in a coffin, then what good is it?  It may be that grave robbers will even come to our skeletal remains and steal the treasure away.  It is certain we can’t take it with us!  Wisdom on the other hand is the enduring and priceless treasure that enhances all there is in life.  You can hire a tutor, if you have money.  For a big investment, you can obtain a college education.  Wisdom, however, is not for sale.  Its value exceeds any dollar amount.

There is then THE VIRTUE OF WISDOM’S ATTAINMENT (Job 28:20-28).  Job’s quest for wisdom ends in an omniscient God!  He not only has all wisdom, He is willing to share that wealth—but only with those who qualify.  It is not the scope of the facts in our head, but the strength of the fear in our heart that establishes the credentials we need to attain true wisdom.  Job echoes what other Scripture (e.g. Prov.1:7; 9:10) says, “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”  (Job 28:28)   Job will question what he has once thought true and weep over his present confusion (see chapters 29-31).  He seeks clarity in his catastrophe.  Job was accused of sin, but steadfastly maintained his integrity.  He was a God-fearing man and so lifted up this wail for wisdom.  Buried in the ash heap of his shattered life, he believed God might yet bestow it.  Whatever your circumstance today, and no matter the confusion it has caused, consecrate yourself to God.  All will become clear in time—or eternity!  God grant us the wisdom we need to walk by faith in this troubled world today.

SEEING THE SAVIOR, SHOWING THE FAVOR

 

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road.  And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.  And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’  So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”  And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”  Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:29-37)

People don’t just need to hear about Jesus from us, they need to see Jesus in us!  God is good, and when I do good, then I am being like Him.  We call the Samaritan in Christ’s parable, “The Good Samaritan,” because of his generous actions toward someone who could not help himself.  I am showing the resemblance to my Heavenly Father when I give, since He is the great Giver.  Others ought to see the favor.  God brings us into contact with those He intends for us to serve through His providence.  We do not run into need by accident, but by appointment from God.  How are we to respond?

The Good Samaritan saw the need.  Our eyes may be blinded by greed rather than seeing the need.  We may be aware, but quickly direct our gaze elsewhere, because it makes us feel uncomfortable—and the self-centered soul wants comfort more than anything.

The Good Samaritan felt the pain.  He took pity on him by having empathy for the fallen man.  Those who help are those who feel the hurt—who are able to interject themselves into the suffering of others and think, “If it were me, how would I feel?”

The Good Samaritan took some action.  He went to the poor fellow and gave him first aid.  While he wasn’t a doctor, he did what he could.  Just because I don’t have the money to help everyone, doesn’t mean I can’t help someone.  Although I can’t have enough time to serve everyone, doesn’t mean I don’t have the time to serve someone.  God doesn’t want our excuses; He wants our effort!

The Good Samaritan did follow-up.  It wasn’t a few dollars tossed in that would solve the long-term needs of the wounded fellow, although it would perhaps have salved the short-term conscience of the Samaritan.  There needed to be an extended investment to do whatever it took to help the fellow.

It is fascinating that the two “spiritual” men in the story were too holy to get their hands dirty and too busy with their religion to display the fruit of faith.  The priest and the Levite got as far away from the need as they could and hastened on to their religious event as fast as they could.  No wonder Jesus branded such as, “Hypocrites.”  They resembled their father—the Devil—and the Lord pointed out that fact.  Satan is a thief—supremely self-centered—and so are his offspring.

Since God is the great Giver, His grace should move me to go and do likewise.  Through my sacrifice of time and treasure today, by whatever means and in whatever measure God provides, I want others to see the Savior as I show the favor!

ARE WE LIVING BENEATH OUR PRIVILEGES?

 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  (2 Peter 1:2-4)

The man who wrote these words had an audacious faith that enabled him to access an awesome force, and thus, to have an amazing impact.  His name was Simon, but Jesus gave him the name, Peter—the Rock.  His ministry would be foundational to the building of the church—and so his influence is still being felt today.

If you have read your Bible at all, then you are aware that Peter had his failures—and some of them were huge.  He was not Superman; he was a man of flesh as we are—a real human with real human weaknesses.  Nevertheless, he also was a man who did not allow those limitations to prevent him from tapping into the limitless resources of God!

That should encourage us, for he assures us that those same resources are available to all those who know Christ.  Twice in these opening verses of his second letter, the Apostle references this knowledge of God and His Son.  It is out of that context—the intimate connection with God through His Son—that we have all He is available for all that He wants us to be!  Are we living beneath our privileges?

The Lord is not stingy in His gifts—“grace and peace” are not simply added to us in small measure, they are “multiplied” with exponential possibilities!  There is no excuse for failing to attain the high and holy life of maximum impact that God has for us, except that we do not know or do not care!  I am attempting with God’s help to deal with those two issues—in my life first, and then in yours.

Divine power—the Almighty God’s power—may be experienced and from that we may freely receive the standard of living Jesus purchased for us on Calvary and provides in resurrection life.  Peter is pointed when he proclaims, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”  What more could we need?

God assures us, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”  We are in the world, but do not have to be of the world.  We can be Heaven’s change agents in this world!  That is what Jesus came to do—and is doing.  It is what He desires to do through you and me, as He lives mightily in and though us!  Let us not live beneath our privileges!

CONNECTED IN GROWTH: Our Goal

 

“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13)

As the people of God grow, church leaders are our guides, and Christ’s likeness is our goal.  We are moving toward being like Him, and that is a process which is never finished until we reach Heaven.  Growth is measured not by the size of our buildings, the amount of our budget or the numbers of the bottoms placed in a pew, but by growth in godliness.  It may well be that additional facilities are needed for additional souls being reached, who bring an increase in giving with the increase in attendance, drawn by the work that God is doing in a church that is honoring Christ.  Still, this is not the goal.  The goal is becoming like Jesus.  The other growth is the outward display of the upward devotion.

“Unity of the faith,” is a needful part of this growth.  This provides the fertile soil that nourishes the spiritual life of God’s people.  We come together in a common faith in Jesus Christ and the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God.  This focuses on “the knowledge of the Son of God.”  We not only grow to know about Him, we grow to know Christ experientially.  The focus on Jesus, as the One we worship and adore, brings the fruit of becoming like Him.

The destiny of the church is to manifest that majesty fully.  While there are no perfect churches on earth, there will be a perfect church—“a perfect man”—in eternity.  That perfection will be gauged by, “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”  

Let us not be too quick to excuse, however, the lack of Christ-likeness in our local assembly by the reality of the struggle with sin and self, where we do all stumble at times.  Some aren’t striving; they have surrendered!  Admitting that we won’t reach perfection, there should be progression!  Our church ought to look more like Jesus this year than it did last year, and next year should move us closer to the ultimate goal of being just like Him in character—love, righteousness, justice and truth.

How does this happen in the church?  It happens when individual members grow.  You have an assignment this day.  Your mission from God is to become more like Jesus.  You need the environment of the community of believers to nurture that.  As we all focus on the common goal of becoming like Jesus, unity is established, and we go and grow together toward that destination—encouraging each other along the way.

Forward, march!

GRACE FOR SANCTITY IN THE AGED

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  ‎So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.  Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.   (Luke 2:25-38) 

Simeon and Anna were not actually Jesus’ grandparents, but we see in them the kind of sanctity which ought to be found in the elderly.  Sanctity may not be a familiar term, but it’s a fitting term which conveys godliness—and that is certainly evident in this old man and woman.  As we age biologically, we should mature spiritually through God’s grace operating in us. 

Paul told Titus that the older men and women of the church had a mentoring assignment with the young men and women.  Church at its ideal isn’t loaded with one particular demographic—whether white headed elderly or spikey haired youth—but is multigenerational.  Each has a dynamic to add: the vitality of youth and stability of age.

What kind of “grandparents,” whether literal or spiritual, do we need?  Consider these characteristics of Simeon and Anna.

There needs to be PURITY, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  (v.25)  Simeon was just in his dealings with others and devout in his relationship with God.  Personal purity marked him.  He was a holy man.

Then the godly will exhibit PATIENCE.  Simeon had been “waiting” (v.25) for years for Messiah, and Anna, since becoming a young widow, had patiently served in the house of God, “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”  (v.37)   They did not allow time and trials to erode their hope.  That happens far too often.

Spiritually mature people possess PERCEPTION.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  ‎So he came by the Spirit into the temple. … Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (v.26-27a; 34-35)

Simeon had spiritual perception: he could see behind events, see through circumstances, and see beyond the immediate situation.  Those who are led of the Spirit can guide others.

The elders of the church ought to manifest PEACE, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word” (v.29).  He was ready to go.  Simeon was at peace.  His life’s mission was fulfilled.  Do we face aging and death with contentment?

Furthermore, such sanctity is grounded and grown in PRAYER, “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” (v.37)  Many will leave behind material goods, but the greatest inheritance is intercession—not property, but prayers.  They remain before God having an eternal dimension.  Their efficacy works beyond our lifetime for generations to come

Older saints ought to be noted for their PRAISE,  “he took Him up in his arms and blessed God” (v.28); “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”  (v.38)   May we who are older members of the church be known for our helpfulness with the young and not our harping about them!  Too often we are sour rather than sweet; known for grumbling instead of gladness. 

I want to be a godly grandparent, and leave a heritage of holiness!