Luke 2:30-32 “For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

In the message yesterday I talked about how probably even Simeon, quoted here, didn’t have a clear idea of the salvation that God had prepared through the infant he was holding. Even he was probably thinking in largely political terms, but that didn’t keep him from speaking this beautifully accurate prophecy. He sounds a lot like Isaiah! The thing is, the person speaking God’s words quite often doesn’t necessarily understand them himself, because God is more than capable of using us despite our inadequacies. I’m reminded of the very accurate statement by Caiaphas the high priest: “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:50) Caiaphas was actively trying to have Jesus killed, and yet God spoke truth through him! For that matter, there’s the famous story of the donkey speaking to Balaam, recorded in Numbers 22. As Don Francisco so accurately sang, “So if the Lord starts using you, don’t you pay it any mind. He could have used the dog next door, if He’d been so inclined.” Being actively available to God is a very good thing, but we don’t have to understand what’s going on for Him to use us. Sometimes demanding understanding is a kind of pride, wanting to be in control, so to speak. We need to have the humility to listen to Him, even when He’s speaking through us!

I’ve had at least one experience of speaking prophecy that came true in a way that I certainly didn’t imagine when I spoke it, and I have had countless times of speaking things God was saying when I wasn’t even consciously aware of prophesying – much like Caiaphas, which isn’t very comfortable company! I was blessed with a high IQ, but the longer I live, the better I understand that I know and understand hardly anything. I’m reminded of the major theologian, Barth I think it was, who, when asked “the deepest thing he had learned about God” in all of his studies, replied, “Jesus loves me. This I know for the Bible tells me so.” I am to keep pressing in for more of God, and at the same time remember that “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) My being useful to God doesn’t depend on my knowing what’s going on!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You have done in recent days and weeks. Thank You that the major pressure I had been feeling has lifted. I pray that every word You have spoken through me, and that You will speak through me, will have the effect that You intend, whether it is within my understanding or not, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!