public speaking
“[Anna] talked about the Child to all.” —Luke 2:38
The Baby Jesus could not speak for Himself at His Presentation in the Temple, for He was only forty days old. Others, however, spoke for Him. Joseph and Mary would have spoken to the temple officials as His parents, Simeon (Lk 2:29ff) and Anna (Lk 2:38) prophesied for Him. It’s still like this today.
Though the Baby Jesus did grow up and speak eloquently about the Kingdom of God, many are unable to hear Him. That’s why God has sent us. There are many who need to hear about this Child. God has placed us in their paths as siblings, children, parents, co-workers, neighbors, enemies, and so on. May we be as ready and willing to speak about the Child Jesus as were Simeon and Anna. They prepared to speak about Jesus through the discipline of a life of devotion. When the appropriate moment came, they simply spoke out of the abundance of their hearts (Lk 6:45). Ask God for the Holy Spirit so you too may do the same (Lk 11:13).
Prayer: Father, may I love Jesus so much that it will cause me more distress to not speak of Him than to speak of Him (see Jer 20:9).
Promise: “Since [Jesus] was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted.” —Heb 2:18
Praise: “Consecrate to Me every first-born that opens the womb among the Israelites, both of man and beast, for it belongs to Me” (Ex 13:2). Thank you, Mary and Joseph, for your obedience.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (The Beatitudes are a blessing! Learn of the rich and necessary role they should play in your life at our Living the Beatitudes retreat, Feb. 19-20. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 for location and to register.)
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