2023 - A Foundation For Things to Come

How can you have a good start to a New Year?

We like to use a New Year as a fresh start, a time to set goals. One study saw that 77% of people were still keeping their resolution after 1 week, but after two years just 14% had continued on. (Some reports say just 8% of people achieve their resolution)

What can we learn from this passage about hope and expectation for a new beginning?

Rest in the Perfection of Christ

Mary and Joseph remind us that perfection can only come through Jesus.

Christ perfectly kept the law in every way, even from a baby.

The law had given instruction for purification after the birth of a baby boy (40 days). Mary and Joseph kept the law, but they were not perfect.

He was called Jesus, Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.””

A reminder that even though they tried to keep the law, no one could perfectly keep it, we are only made perfect by faith in Christ.

Rom 10:4 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Center Your Expectation in Christ

Simeon teaches us to make beholding and growing in the Lord our chief ambition and expectation.

Warren Wiersbe notes that Simeon:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Two: The Lord Is Come! (Luke 2)

He was a man who was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, and obedient to the will of God; and therefore he was privileged to see the salvation of God. How important it is for people to see God’s salvation, Jesus Christ, before they see death.

Simeon was waiting for the Consolation of Israel.

The Holy Spirit revealed that he would get to witness Christ.

Christ is the God’s salvation provided for us.

Christ is the light in our darkness. When you are discouraged, look to the Savior.

Christ is the glory that will not fade away! God’s glory was returning to the Temple for the first times since the days of Ezekiel, but most missed him. Simeon worshipped him.

What will you do with Jesus? He reveals the heart.

Make Jesus the center of our plans this coming year. Phil 1:19-21 “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Prioritize the Worship of Christ

Anna teaches us that prioritizing the worship and witness of the Lord Jesus brings joy!

Practically, in your planning and goals for the year, make the chief goal to see Jesus. See Him glorified in your life.