Waiting
Today’s Verse:
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ~ Luke 2:25
Simeon is one of several people who are mentioned during the time of Jesus’ incarnate arrival as an infant Baby. Simeon is not thought of by most people. However, he is a man that was well thought of by God and is given a prominent, one-time mention in Luke 2:25-35. Simeon’s name means “to hearken,” or “having heard.” Romans 10:17 teaches us that “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Simeon is a demonstrative model.
Simeon is a model of saving faith. He is referred to as being just and devout. He is a model of a man who attained righteousness with God through faith in Jesus’ shed blood, death, and resurrection from the dead. Simeon is a model of a submissive forbearance. He waited for the consolation of Israel. Learning to wait on God is a virtue of godliness. Even though he was a much older man, he had faith in the promises given to him by God. He is also a model of the Spirit’s fullness. Three times, we are told of the influence of the Holy Spirit is in his life. The Holy Ghost was upon him, the Holy Ghost revealed to him, and the Holy Ghost led him. He is a model for exemplary Christian living!
Simeon is a dynamic mover.
Here is something that distinguishes him from the men of his day. Simeon decided to be a mover. When the Holy Spirit led him to the temple, he knew Who Jesus was as Mary and Joseph entered in. Simeon was moved to adoration of Jesus. He took the Baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God. Having Jesus in our life should move us to adoration. Simeon was moved to action. He did something with the Lord, and he did something for the Lord. We should be moved to action because of the presence of the Lord in our lives. Simeon was a mover of the assembly. His words and testimony were a spiritual catalyst. He moved Joseph and Mary about the impact Jesus would have. He moved Anna to give a strong word of testimony. Simeon was a man who was a dynamic mover.
Simeon is a dependable messenger.
Simeon prayed a powerful prayer as he held the Lord Jesus. This prayer conveyed a powerful message about faith in the ministry of Jesus. He spoke a word to Mary and Joseph and told them, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.” He was telling people that they had to decide if they were for Jesus or against Jesus! He told them that Jesus’ arrival would expose the true and the false followers. His coming would force decisions about Jesus. As a messenger, he realized he needed to testify of Who Jesus was and not change or water down his message.
Simeon is a blessing in Scripture.
He was man who had faith in the promises of God. He lived his life close to the Lord and walked in the Spirit. His promotion was the promise that he would be taken up to glory soon after he had seen the Lord.
Simeon demonstrates that it is well worth the waiting when we wait on the Lord! He demonstrates the importance of walking in the Spirit and living in anticipation of the Lord’s coming!
Have a faithful God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: James 1-5