prophecy....

i always remember this passage as one of the passages that most bible quizzes ask. they always ask who is the guy and who was the lady or what did they say, how many doves.

this time, as i was going through it, it awed me. it AWED me. i try to imagine it like some booming voice but obviously it isn't cause it was some old guy (assumed to be old) saying it. it was probably said in a firm voice with the strength and spirit of God echoing its majesty.

"....causing the fall and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. "
fooh! try that man...
i think if a prophecy of such strength is made of me, i'll be going, 'huh?'

the passage is
Luke 2:25-40

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.