The Fall and the Rising
 

by Terry Benton
 

“Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
(Luke 2:34-35)

Jesus caused many in Israel to fall.

He set the standard of righteousness so much higher than the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees and made many open comments that offended them. (Read Matthew 5-7; 23). Jesus was destined to force a decision that would mean that if you were not willing to put the Lord first, you could not be His disciples (Luke 14:25f). Because Jesus did not come to fit what people wanted in a Messiah, He became a rock of offense to many but the chief cornerstone of conviction for others. Truly Jesus was destined for the fall of many in Israel. Even today people who can’t work through the controversy of Jesus and decide to take a stand, that very fact is to their own spiritual fall. Jesus is controversial and forces a committed decision. He divides families where some know Jesus is worth standing for while others do not see that value in Jesus.

Jesus caused many in Israel to rise.

Think how controversial Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2 was among the Jews. Yet, while many Jews were committed to the fall from Jesus whom God had made both Lord and Christ, yet only 3,000 Jews were raised in status before God. Jesus was destined for the rising of thousands more who took a stand for Jesus in the midst of controversy. They were raised to sit in heavenly places in Christ. They entered into the kingdom of light and righteousness and had now become the true Israel of God. Those who will confess Jesus and stand up for His word are the ones that God was partnership with (2 John 9-10). These are a royal priesthood and a holy nation whose spiritual sacrifices mingle with the sweet aroma of Jesus’ sacrifice. They are not perfect, but they are forgiven and set apart from the world and equipped with mighty armament for the fight of faith. Jesus was destined for their rising.

We decide if we want to work through the controversy of who Jesus is. If we don’t we are already on the list of the fallen. If we do we are destined for the rising of others who see the faith we hold in the midst of a crooked generation and it emboldens them to also take a stand. We cannot keep quiet about such a controversial figure as Jesus, for He must be confessed and His faith defended. He is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel. We must give everyone a chance to decide if they will be among the fallen or among those whom Jesus elevates. On which side of this great controversy will you be found?

 

Other Articles by Terry Benton
These Things Became Our Examples
The Pharisee Shield
Review of Radical Restoration Chapter 1