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The Waiting Simeon Luke 2:25-35
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 dismissd 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.”
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 dismissd 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.”
Thoughts:
Jesus later said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Perhaps Simeon’s righteousness, devoutness,
and patience put him in a position to see God while he was alive. In our day, we are not called to panic, to
grumble, to give into temptation, but to wait on the Lord. In our day we want instant things- instant
communication (text, phone, emails), instant answers (look it up on
Google). Simeon is an example of godly
waiting and patience in God. Instant
trust, instant hope, instant patience does not exist. Simeon also knew how to
expand the horizons. His concern was not
just for Jewish independence. He was
concerned for reaching the whole world- the Gentiles included. This means this older wise man foreknew that
the Romans would be conquered not by the sword but by the Good News of
God. The Hope of the world is not found
in politics, weapons, or money- but in the eternal hope of God.
Prayer:
Lord, may I put my patient hope in you no matter what the world faces. Help me seek purity and patience over
worldliness and hurry.
ctivity: Who do you know in your family or friends who
has a pure heart? Send them a note by
text, email, social media or a card.
Song: Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy
people free;
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou aArt;
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou aArt;
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
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