Watching Over Us All
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:36-38
[Anna] had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.
—Luke 2:26-27
God’s plans and purposes can seem so big that we might wonder if he has time for the “smaller” concerns that so often afflict our lives.
When Simeon met Jesus in the temple, his concerns seemed global. He longed for the consolation of Israel. He rejoiced in seeing salvation. He even spoke in a way that foreshadowed Christ’s mission to suffer for lost sinners. Simeon was focused on the big picture.
God rules the heavens and the earth. We might not understand the geopolitical implications of our nation’s economic policies, but God does. We may be baffled by scientific predictions of possible environmental catastrophes, but God is not confused.
When we consider the universal scope of God’s power, we may feel as if our personal concerns in our everyday family and community life wouldn’t matter much to him.
But the Bible shows that Jesus’ arrival addressed local concerns as well as global ones. Jesus’ coming brought joy to an aged widow in the temple who looked “forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Jesus’ presence met her concerns on that day and caused her to give thanks and to tell others.
God’s plan of salvation brings renewal to the entire world, and his plan responds to all our needs.
King of heaven, thank you that your concern for all of creation does not keep you from being concerned for each of us. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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