Day 77 Bible Readings – Luke 2: 35-36 (ESV)

Numbers 7, Luke 2: 21-40, Psalm 45: 10-17

Luke 2: 35-36 (ESV)

“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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

In verses 35 and 36 from Luke 2, we read about Simeon’s prophecy about Jesus and warning for Mary. Simeon tells Mary and Joseph that their son was destined to cause the rise and fall of many people in Israel, and would be opposed by many. Then Simeon warned Mary that not only would the soul of Jesus be pierced, but that Mary herself would be pierced through her soul as well. But then Simeon said it would all be worth it because her son would reveal the thought of many hearts. When I read this passage, it makes me wonder if Mary fully comprehended what would happen to her infant son when he grew up. Did Mary know at that moment that Christ would one day die. Did she realize that watching her son die would feel like a sword piercing her own heart as Simeon was prophesying.? Or, did she and Joseph smile and then ignore Simeon’s words. Mary and Joseph knew that their son was going to be extraordinary, but I don’t think that they knew how much their infant son would one day change the world by sacrificing himself for the sins of the world.

Day 76 Bible Readings – Numbers 6: 22-26 (ESV)

Numbers 5 & 6, Luke 2: 1-20, Psalm 45: 1-9

Numbers 6: 22-26 (ESV)

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

When I read verses 22 through 26 from Numbers 6, I started thinking of the song “The Blessing” by Elevation Worship. Kari Jobe said the lyrics of the song came from scripture, but they don’t mention the Bible reference. They added so much to these verses that my Bible calls “Aaron’s Blessing”. Aaron spoke the blessing, but the words of the blessing came directly from God. I love that God gave Moses the words to this blessing and that every time I hear and sing this song, I will remember these words came from God.

Enjoy Elevation Worship’s version of Aaron’s Blessing.

Day 75 Bible Readings – Luke 1: 57-79 (ESV)

Numbers 4, Luke 1: 57-80, Psalm 44: 13-26

Luke 1: 57-79 (ESV)

In verses 57 through 79 from Luke 1, we read about the circumcision ceremony of John the Baptist, and how his father Zechariah got his voice back. Zechariah was struck with muteness after he was visited by the Angel Gabriel for doubting his words. Once Zechariah realized he voice had come back, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he started prophesying about his son John and how we would go before the Lord to prepare his way. These verses are dramatized in Episode 1 in the 4^th season of The Chosen Series. I love how the actors they chose to portray Zechariah and Elizabeth look to be the age they are supposed to be in the Bible. Elizabeth looks to be several years beyond her childbearing age, so a pregnancy at her stage in life back then and even now would be considered a miracle. I heard one Biblical scholar say it was fitting that the birth of John the Baptist would be a miracle, since the birth of Jesus would also be another more fantastical miracle.

Enjoy this fictional dramatization showing the early start in the life of John the Baptist.

Day 74 Bible Readings – Luke 1: 46-55 (ESV)

Numbers 2 & 3, Luke 1: 39-56, Psalm 44: 1-12

Luke 1: 46-55 (ESV)

Verses 46 through 55 from Luke 1 is Mary’s song of praise when she was visiting her cousin Elizabeth. These verses are about Mary and her son Jesus Christ. The writers of The Chosen series produced a Christmas special with Mary asking Mary Magdalene to write these verses down to give to Luke. The story of how these verses came to be in Luke is fictional, but it is such a creative way to represent these verses in a television program. The writers of this scene also managed to have Mary say these verses in their entirety in the scene.

Enjoy this scene depicting Luke 1: 46-55 from The Chosen Christmas Special: