My Uncle

Greetings reader!!

I'm Matthias - yes, you have (barely) heard of me in Acts Chapter 1 "So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

But, that's not my story today.  I want to talk about my famous uncle Simeon - from Luke chapter 2: 

"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 on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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 may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of 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.”

Yes, Simeon was my uncle - the brother to my mother.  He never married. His story was before my time, but I have heard of it so much.  When Uncle Simeon was in his 20's, God was very close to him.  He was an assistant in the temple, helping with crowds, setting up chairs, collecting the alm baskets, even janitorial duties.  At that time, the Ark of the Covenant was in the "Holy of Holies" and could only be accessed by the High Priest.  Like my family, Uncle Simeon was of the tribe of Levi and was of the priestly tribe.  

Simeon loved being in the temple and talked about 'feeling' the presence of God.  As an assistant, he had a little room (cell would be more like it) in the temple (off the lower levels).  One evening, as he slept, Uncle Simeon had a very special vision.  The Holy Spirit came upon him and told him of amazing things - most notably that the long awaited Messiah was coming and that Simeon would see him and recognize him.  

From that point on, my uncle's life changed. There was a glow around him an 'aura'.  In the temple, his position changed to being an assistant to more spiritual positions.  He helped with the various offerings, the burnt sacrifices, the preparation of the fire, the wave offerings, the first born child offerings, the first fruits offerings and the many other offerings and sacrifices of our Jewish faith.  My mother told me how he was such a wonderful, humble man, always with a cheerful word for worshipers at the temple.  Even as he was more regards in his work, he kept the same little room / cell for his own.

But, he KNEW that one day the Messiah would come through the doors of the temple.  Everyday he would anticipate that culminating event - and even when it didn't happen that day, his spirits and expectations were still strong.  

Even before the others noted it, Simeon saw the 'star in the east' and the Spirit told him it would be 'very soon' that he would hold the Messiah in his arms.  He rarely slept more than a few hours, but had a chair in the temple where he would sit meditating on God's love, God's power and most importantly God's promise of the Messiah.  He knew the prophecies by heart; he could quote most of what we Christians would call the Old Testament from memory.  

He watched the various events in Jerusalem - although he knew the child would be born in the City of David - but be called a Nazarene.  He saw the Magi come to Jerusalem looking for the Messiah, he heard the news from the shepherds, he KNEW that the Messiah had been born.  

On this particular day, God revealed that the Messiah was coming to the temple.  At first Simeon got the broom and tried to make the temple as clean and holy as possible, but the Holy Spirit said "Simeon, you don't need to clean the temple - just be ready for HIM to come in."

Other priests, assistants, and workers saw the young couple with the child - just like all the other young couples coming with children to the temple.  These couples had the pair of doves to sacrifice as their spiritual duty.  But with spiritual eyes, Simeon saw Mary, Joseph and the baby even before they got close to the temple.  He was ready (we might even say he was 'prayed up').

Uncle Simeon almost danced and sang as the young family entered the temple.  Mary and Joseph went directly to him - also led by the Holy Spirit.  Simeon blessed them and cried as he held the Messiah - the long awaited, long anticipated, long desired - Messiah.  

Uncle Simeon did live for about eight years after the encounter with Jesus.  People who knew him before and after said that, if anything, he was even more of a kinder, gentler man - with a wonderful sparkle in his eye.  

As for me, I was born four years after Uncle Simeon met Jesus, Joseph and Mary - I'm pretty sure he whispered and prayed for me when he held me in his arms (he moved in with my parents shortly after the meeting).  When I grew up and found Jesus - the prophet, the Messiah, the Savior I'm sure my Uncle approved!!!

Benaiah

Hello visitor!!!

My name is Benaiah.  No, you haven't heard of me.  This is my story

I was a young rabbi, not quite part of the Sanhedrin - but I was a student of Gamaliel - and a good student at that.  I was there on the day that Gamaliel said to let the followers of Jesus continue - for if it was of God, we would not be able to stop the movement, and if it was of man, it would die away.

That day caused me to reflect on this Jesus.  As a young rabbi, I could disguise myself to be part of the audience when Peter, James and later on, Paul spoke.  Fairly quickly, the Holy Spirit worked on me - and I too became a Christ follower (or as you might say - a Christian).

I was 'found out' and was cast out of the assembly - no longer studying with Gamaliel, no longer a rabbi.  But God is merciful - I soon became a leader (you might call me a pastor) in Antioch.  There I tended a growing group of Christians and shared the good news that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, that he was born of a virgin - just like the scriptures foretold.  He taught like no one ever before (and probably ever will) as the Son of Man (and as the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity).  He healed the sick, he fed thousands at a time with just a few fish and a few loaves of bread.  He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey - and later that week died on a cross - BUT THREE DAYS LATER HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD - just like he said he would!!!!

Yes, there have been some tough times - sometimes the Roman soldiers harass us Christians (but, I guess the also harass the Jews too).  The Jews generally hate us (although many have come to believe).  In my congregation we have Jews and Gentiles - all loving and following Jesus.

Tonight, God spoke to me through the Holy Spirit and told me to visit my old teacher Gamaliel tomorrow.  I hear it is a broken old man - stubborn and empty - and near death.  May God give me words to share with my old teacher.

Gamaliel

From Acts 5: 34-39
"³⁴ But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. ³⁵ Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. ³⁶ Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.³⁷ After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
"
Greetings Friend, this is my story.  Yes, I am Gamaliel, a teacher of the law.  I was renown in Israel for my knowledge of scriptures (probably what you would now call "The Old Testament").  

I was a leader in the Sanhedrin, but now I am old and can't do much anymore.  I used to use a cane to get around, but now even that is very limited.  My servants (I have two remaining - I once had twelve), dress me, feed me, and get me to the Synagogue.  

But, the bigger problem is that I feel separated from God.  Deep inside, I think I really knew that Jesus was the Messiah.  But, how could I speak for him?  I was a leader in the Sanhedrin - it would have been radical for me to speak out.  In addition, I would have been thrown out of the Sanhedrin, my salary (or stipend if you will) would have disappeared - I would have had to become like a beggar on the streets.  No, I couldn't speak up for Jesus.  And ... though I ended up with a life of luxury and plenty, I was empty inside.  It would have been better to have a life as a beggar and followed Jesus and have the Holy Spirit inside me - but no, I was too prideful.  

My days are limited.  Occasionally a younger member of the Sanhedrin might stop be to visit me and ask about certain scriptures, but in the past two years even that has largely come to an end.  I am just an old, bitter man - ready to die - an empty man in an empty body.  

No, my pride won't let me ask to have some of those followers of Jesus come to talk to me (I guess they are called 'Christians' these days).  I would lose my two servants and be cast out to die.  

So, not a happy story.  

Husband's view

Taken from:  Matthew 9:20-22

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Hello Readers!!

My name is Eliam.  Yes, you won't see my name in the Bible (and you won't see my wife's name either, although her story is told above.)  Her name is Judith.

It started sometime after the birth of our youngest son (we have two sons and one daughter).  One morning Judith awoke with the bed stained with blood.  It wasn't time for her period.  She cleaned up and used the appropriate cloths that she would with her period.  Her period did come - and go - but the issue of blood continued.  We talked to the midwife in our town - but no help there.  We talked to the doctor (my wife was hesitant to consult him).  While he didn't know a direct cure, he suggested changes in her diet - more fiber, more seeds (especially flax seed), more fruit (especially apples), and less (or no) meat.  She did go on that diet - and the flow was lessened, but not abated.  The doctor suggested what you moderns would call a diet high in vitamin K (we, of course, had no idea what that would be), but did eat more herbs and dark leafy vegetables.  We had kale there times a day, even cabbage and brussel sprouts.  The end result was a little lesser flow, but it was still there.  So, we continued.  Our local rabbi was a humble man (as compared to many who were very aloof) and prayed continually for her.

Judith became pretty much homebound.  With the appropriate rags as if on her period, she did go to the market and around, but following the Mosaic Law, she was 'unclean'.  As our children grew older, they took on a lot of the tasks outside the house.  Judith did weaving, the children found the plants that had good color pigments that she could use to die yarn.  But, the flow continued.  

As could be expected, there was an unpleasant odor about her.  Even with daily (or two or three times daily) bathing, and fresh pads, the odor and humiliation was always with her.  

<now moving forward>

This Jesus had come on the scene so quickly.  The talk was that he could be the Messiah. But, in Israel, there were just too many doubts.  This Jesus was not a political leader, he didn't confront the Roman authorities.  We expected Messiah to be a conqueror and deliver Israel from Roman and we could be our own territory again.  

The word on the street was the Jesus was in the area - and on his way to Capernaum.  I was away at my work (a builder), but Judith left the house in search of this Jesus.  She did just reach out and touched his robe - and immediately she KNEW that she had been healed.  And even Jesus, who was surrounded by so many, KNEW that healing had occurred. 

She returned to our town - aglow and excited.  She came directly to where I was building an additional to a house.  I knew when I saw her that she had been healed.  Here was my Judith, my wife, smiling, laughing and happy again - after twelve years.  

Two days later, both Judith and I went to hear this Jesus - and I believed, just like she did.  It was also an momentous event - as Jesus took five fish and two barley loaves and feed all of us - about 10,000 people total.  BUT ... above and beyond the feeding us was his message - repent, turn to God, and follow me.  

Four days before Jesus went into Jesus for his final Passover, both Judith and I had the same dream - that he would die and then come back from the grave.  It was scary, but so real.  I tried to share my dream with some friends - even those who followed Jesus - and they scoffed at me.  But, it all came true.  

From that time, we have been living and sharing with friends.  We're called "Christians" now as we follow Jesus.  Our children have also believed as well as our grandchildren.  God is so good!!!  Thanks be to God!!!