Rev. Daniel Eggold
Feb 15, 2020
Readings:
1 Samuel 1:21–28; Psalm 84; Hebrews 2:14–18; Luke 2:22–32 (33–40)
When a new heir to the throne is born in England, the paparazzi go wild. The tabloids are full of pictures and details of the latest royal. The newly presented royalty gets a long news cycle. The event cannot be missed.
When Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is presented in the temple at Jerusalem, it’s an event that could be easily missed. There’s no fanfare, just the regular sacrifice made for the purification of a new mother. Only an odd man named Simeon and an old woman, Anna, who had been hanging around the temple for forever, take notice.
Yet this little peasant Child is the Son of the Most High; he is the King of all kings, the eternally royal One. And as he begins his life at the temple, he will make his way to become the King who overcomes all sin, all death, and brings life to those he came to serve.
Earthly royals will come and go. The One presented at the Jerusalem temple on this day will at last present you by his phenomenal grace to live in the eternal house of God the Father.
Prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, your only-begotten Son was presented this day in the temple. May we be presented to you with clean and pure hearts by the same Jesus Christ, our great high priest, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.