Day 6: Simeon (Luke 2: 25-35)
How long Simeon had waited. For his whole life he had been waiting! In his wait he had been transformed into a holy man. Two words described him accurately—righteous and devout.
Many years had been spent learning as much about his God as was humanly possible. He never missed going to temple, where he sat under great scholars who interpreted the Scripture in a way that he could understand. Simeon had learned so much through the ancient fathers of the promise, and the prophets’ words had taught him to be watching constantly for Israel’s consolation—the Holy One, the Messiah. Because of his deep longing for God and his desire to know Him, Simeon had found favor with God, a favor that not many men had experienced. This favor had produced a Power working in his life that he didn’t completely understand, but he had certainly learned to depend on it. This Power had clearly spoken to him a message of hope—that he would not die until he had seen with his own eyes the very Messiah he knew was coming. From that day on, Simeon’s hope in seeing Messiah was the foundation of all that his life entailed. It was his only focus.
One day that same Power urged him with great persuasion to go immediately to the temple. Long ago Simeon had learned to obey that powerful inner Voice, and he made haste to go to the temple at once. Upon arriving, he contemplated the message of the Voice. Why was it so necessary for him to be at the temple right now? Anticipation filled him as he waited for God’s revelation on the matter. And then the most amazing thing happened! In walked a man and his wife carrying a baby swaddled in linen cloths. As his eyes landed on the infant, he knew at once! This is the One! Messiah has come! Taking the babe in his arms, he blessed God for the fulfillment of His faithful promises. Salvation had come to earth, a Light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.
Is the hope of seeing Jesus the motivation of all you do? How much time are you willing to invest in studying God’s Word to know Him? Are you attending studies on a regular basis where you can be instructed about God and the things of God? Are you hearing and responding in obedience to the inner voice of the Spirit? What does your walk reveal?
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