The parenetical expression: "A parenthetical expression is a word or words added to a sentence without changing the meaning or grammar of the original sentence. Parenthetical expressions give extra information but are not essential. You can add and remove a parenthetical, and the sentence works just the same. Some information in a sentence is essential to its meaning, and some information may be less important or 'nonessential.'"
While I understand this grammar rule, it must be subordinate to God's Word. Why? "Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live" (2 Timothy 3:16 CEV).
In my reading yesterday, it was a parenthetical expression that spoke to me. Reading Luke 2 in the Timeline New Testament* Simeon's words to Mary at Jesus' dedication was translated, "This child is destined to bring the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign continuously disputed—yea, a sword will pierce your heart—so that the secret purposes of many hearts will be revealed" (vv. 35, 35, emphasis mine).
The future fact experienced in the current words of Simeon had a purpose: Mary's heart would be pierced so that many souls would reveal their secret purposes.
Though there was only one Jesus and one Mary for the salvation of whoever will, I think the principle of a believer's pierced heart (especially a mother) for revealing the secret purposes of many hearts holds true.
Think of Hannah as she prayed for a son, the Centurion as he spoke with Jesus about his servant, and the Syrophoenician woman whose daughter needed deliverance, each with a pierced heart that brought about a revelation of hearts.
And what of those times our hearts were pierced? How were hearts revealed as we reflected on God's goodness even in that pain? (Or, is the current piercing a future fact waiting to be experienced?)
Regardless, we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose--even in a parenthetical expression.
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*Hoffman, Leonard R.. The Time Line New Testament Bible (2022) (Leather Look with Gold Foil Imprint and Gold Foil Pages) (Ribbon Marker) (Words of Christ in Red) (Full Color Interior and Maps) (p. 41). Destiny Image, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
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