12-27-13 Simeon

25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2)

Thoughts: Simeon means "he who hears and obeys."  Simeon kept the words of the prophecies of the Messiah's coming near him.  He knew the signs of the times, that the secular world was rising under Rome and the religious world was fading under the rules of the Pharisees.  But Simeon made himself open to hearing God by being just and righteous.
       He was one of the first to recognize "the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to His Temple" (Malachi 3:1).  He saw in Jesus the salvation not just for Israel but for the Gentiles as well.  Simeon also blessed Joseph and Mary when he was done prophesying that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.  

Prayer: May I, Lord, like Simeon- recognize you and welcome you.