“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. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” Luke 2:25-26.
Simeon loved God and believed all the Messianic promises in the writings of the prophets. The Bible does not tell us how old Simeon was, nor how many years he had been studying the scriptures. But we do know that at some point God had shown him that he would not die before he saw the promises fulfilled. Anticipation and hope kept him coming to the Temple day after day.
On the day that Mary and Joseph brought the Baby Jesus to fulfil the requirements of the law, the Holy Spirit led Simeon once again to the Temple. He had seen babies there before, but this time something was different. He knew this baby was special–the promised One.
Luke 2:28-32 “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”
The Holy Spirit spoke through him in prophecy. This baby would be for all people, bringing salvation not only to the Jewish people, but to the Gentile world as well.
Simeon had waited all his life for this one moment. He had lived a just and devout life, trusting that the Lord would keep His promise. Now he could depart in peace.
Two thousand years ago, He came as He promised. Today, we have the promise of our Saviour’s return. Each day we live in joyful expectation of His coming to take us to be with Him eternally. That is the hope that sustains us every day.
Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Thought For Today: Jesus is coming back just like He said He would. Let us live in expectation and hope. Today could be the day.
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
