25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 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. 27 And he came in 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, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31  that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

When driving in an unfamiliar place I am constantly looking for landmarks to reassure myself that I am on the right road and heading in the right direction. I wonder if Mary and Joseph found themselves in similar situations. I am sure their visit to the temple was a special time already. Taking God’s Son to the house of God for the first time probably was a little scary. I wonder if they anticipated anyone or everyone recognizing God’s Son. I wonder if they pondered the possibility of religious leaders taking Him and making a big scene. Did they see Jesus more an an ordinary child with little to no fan fare. I can’t imagine the smile or look on their face when the old saint spoke his words of affirmation over the child. Were they breathless, encouraged, hopeful. Was this the landmark or sign that they were on the right track in raising the Savior.

I am grateful for godly men and women who have been in my life to speak truth over me. I think of people like Mrs. Turner my first grade teacher or Mrs. Mo Southerland who taught me the books of the bible and paid me in Lemon Heads (candy). I am so grateful for youth pastors and music ministers like brother Bob Waldrip who took us on summer mission trips and choir tours. Each person I am sure was just trying to survive another youth outing, but what they poured into me has affected the lives of thousands that my life has affected. I guess the real challenge for today is to be mindful of who is around you and in the Spirit as we come into each day listening for God’s voice in our own lives we will then encourage and uplift many along the way. Be a Simeon and speak life into those looking for the spiritual landmarks along the way.