As we press further into January, I am struck by the story of Simeon who prophesied over baby Jesus when Joseph and Mary consecrated him at the temple.
Now 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. Luke 2:25
I love how the Lord often magnifies certain words or phrases in his Word to speak to us. The words ‘he was waiting for,’ really jumped out at me. I said to him, ‘Lord what are you wanting to say to me through these words?’ Deep in my heart I felt a joy that the Lord had given Simeon a promise and a revelation of what he was going to do. The Holy Spirit had been giving him a word: ‘the consolation of Israel’ and making it alive in his spirit throughout his whole life. It wasn’t just a far off, global promise but one full of power to Simeon personally: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Simeon had waited for this to be fulfilled with trust and expectation. I am sure as one year followed another and he grew older, that he must have wondered if it was ever going to happen, and yet he constantly kept that promise alive in his heart. It is meaningful that Simeon is described as devout. I find that word a bit off putting as it makes me think of someone being superius, but it simply means that he was a man full of deep belief and love for God. I know I want to be in that place of deep belief and love for God and I’m sure you do too. I feel that the Lord is challenging me through Simeon’s story to expect to receive beautiful revelation promises from the Holy Spirit and to partner with him to see those promises fulfilled. Simeon was waiting with hope and joy in his heart. Will I wait in the same way? Will I daily fill my heart with the truths of God’s character so as not to grow discouraged? Will I open my ears to hear what he wants to show me? God’s promises are always ‘yes and amen ’in Christ. How awesome that Simeon’s story encourages us that we are chosen to be privy to his plans and to partner with him for their fulfilment.
Come Lord and speak to us, we are listening. We are ready. Amen
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