A Promise Fulfilled

“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

There are many people who are only mentioned once in the Scriptures, but each one has a special place in God’s plan for mankind. Each one had a purpose to fulfill. Such a man was Simeon. Luke describes him as a devout man, waiting for the Messiah to come. At some point, the Lord had given him a promise that it would happen while he was still living and He would see Christ.

We don’t know how long he waited, or how many times he had seen parents bring their sons to the Temple. Then one day, the Spirit led him to go to the temple. As Joseph and Mary arrived to present their son to the Lord, Simon stepped forward and took the baby in his arms. He worshipped the Lord and said:

Luke 2:29-32 “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.”

As Mary and Joseph wondered at his words, he blessed them and prophesied “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Verse 34-35.

As I was looking up these scriptures in e-Sword, I saw the following and thought it was worth sharing”

“In the Arctic Circle in summer the visitor will behold the magnificent spectacle, on the same sky, of the hues of sunset and of dawn. Dipping only for a brief period beneath the horizon, the setting sun leaves the glorious trail of sunset, and rising, bathes the eastern clouds with the radiance of dawn. So, when Simeon embraced Christ, sunset and sunrise met. There was the glory of the age that was passing, and the glory of the new Christian age that shall ever stand at perfect noon.

Note the concentric circles of Simeon’s character: a man; a man in Jerusalem-i.e., a Jew; righteous toward his fellows; devout toward God; looking; Spirit-anointed; to whom it was revealed; Christ in his arms. What more could be said?”

We don’t know how long Simeon waited from when the Lord promised he would see the Messiah until Mary and Joseph appeared in the Temple with the baby Jesus. But however, long it was, he held on to the promise and faithfully went about his duties and service to God. God always keeps His promises.

God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives. Whatever He has promised He is able to perform. We can rest assured that it will come to pass in His timing.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the examples you have given us in Your word of promises being fulfilled, and for the assurance that this gives that you will always keep your promises to us.

Devotion by Anne Johnston