but life has continued to be hard, so after several decades, they have lapsed into waywardness. It is the ungodly who prosper. In the old days, the king was God's agent, but now (there being no king), the priests have assumed this role. In previous chapters, the prophet has condemned the priests for despising God, corrupting worship and misleading the people.

A "messenger" or angel, God's agent, will come to prepare a way for him. God, long expected, will come to "his temple", to the priests. God's "covenant" with Israel was summed up in the priests. His arrival will be sudden, unannounced, implies that when God comes, he will judge the people. A refiner used the heat of a fire to separate ore into pure metal and slag; a fuller cared for newly shorn wool or woven garments by cleaning them, purifying them, with lye. The messenger will "purify ... and refine", the priests ("the descendants of Levi") until they hold him in proper respect. Their offerings, on behalf of the people, will then again be "pleasing to the Lord". God will judge adversely those who deviate from proper moral behaviour and from his ways.

those who live there have security and happiness, even the birds who nest in the Temple area. Making a pilgrimage to the Temple offers these hopes. When the pilgrims pass through the arid "valley of Baca" en route to the Temple, it becomes fertile. They become more and more godly as they travel, increasing in their knowledge of God. Verse 9 is a prayer for the king. (The word translated "anointed" is messiah; later it was taken as referring to the ideal future king who would restore the nation.) Perhaps v. 10 contrasts the fate of the godly and the wicked. God is both "sun and shield"  bestower of blessings. Life for those who trust in God is clearly superior.

 Jesus, through his redemptive act, frees us from the fear of death - death is no longer separation from God. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, the nature of death has changed: it has become the way out of the domain of sin. The "descendants of Abraham" (v. 16) are those who believe in Christ. Old Testament priests were expected to be "faithful" (v. 17), but Christ, the "high priest" is unique in being "merciful", compassionate.

Simeon looks forward to the coming of the Messiah to restore Israel to favour with God ("the consolation of Israel"). The Spirit has told him that he will see the Christ before he dies. Simeon's words in are known as the Nunc Dimittis, from the first words in Latin. He begins by saying that God is setting him free, as a slave is granted liberty. He is now free to die (for the Spirit's revelation to him is now fulfilled), and Israel is free of bondage. God has saved Israel, as he promised to "all peoples"; his salvation is for Gentiles too. In v. 33, Joseph is Jesus' legal father. Simeon prophesies that Jesus is destined for the death and resurrection of many; he will meet opposition, and will cause many to think deeply about him. Mary too will need to decide for or against Christ. Simeon and Anna together stand before God; to Luke, men and women are equal in God's eyes. Anna praises God, and tells many the meaning of Jesus, as Simeon has prophesied. Like Samuel, "the favour of God was upon him".

Canapes & Conversation

Looking for hosts and hostesses for Canapes and Conversations. We still need hosts for February!  Email Cathie at elsbreecaal@yahoo.com.