“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
The Bible doesn’t tell us how old Simeon was nor at what point in his life, God had shown him that he would see the Christ before he died. He trusted the promise 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. No doubt he had seen many babies there before, but this time it was different, he knew this was the One that had been promised. As he took the baby in his arms, he blessed God, saying that now he could depart in peace. He prophesied that salvation had come to Israel and to the Gentiles. He also spoke of the suffering that Jesus would endure.
Simeon had lived all his life for this one moment. What a joy it must have been for him to see the promise fulfilled. Today, we have the promise of our Saviour’s return, and so each day we live in expectation of His coming to take us to be with Him eternally. That is the hope that sustains us every day.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, that you came to earth to bring salvation, and that you will one day return to take us to be with you.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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