In Luke 2:34,35, we read what is believed about Jesus, "This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, but the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are."
When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple after he was born, an old man named Simeon blessed Jesus and told them that Jesus would be misunderstood and contradicted, but his life would mark both the rising and falling of the individuals who met Him, dependent upon how each one accepted or rejected Jesus.
It must have seemed a strange blessing to Mary and Joseph who thought they were raising the Messiah. Wouldn't the Messiah save all of Israel? Even if the world had understood in advance Simeon's prophecy, it would not have changed what must happen to Jesus. He was born to suffer and become a sacrifice for our sins--for my sins!
I have done some suffering. When things don't always turn out the way I hope, I suffer. It is very unsatisfying. Now that I am old, like Simeon, I am wiser and see that failure is just the beginning of another recovery. Through recovery, we progress.
Jesus' rejection forced--and still forces--honesty., and always reveals truth. His suffering revealed who He was. My suffering reveals who I am. Your suffering reveals who you are.
God, I shall not obsess over my mistakes, but I will keep positive and love those who exist wherever You take me. Amen.
Jo INMN
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