Luke chapter 2 verses 25 – 32 (NIV)
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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
We know that Simeon was an old man. What we don’t know is how old he was when the Holy Spirit spoke to him and promised him he would see the Messiah. How long did he have to wait? Did his faith ever waiver? Yet we see he remains in tune with the Spirit, and obeyed His leading. It was his obedience to that leading that meant he saw, and even held, the infant Messiah.
Are we as consistent as Simeon in holding on to God’s promises, no matter how long we have to wait? It’s also a reminder that we need to continue being led by the Spirit. Failing to do so might mean the delay in seeing God’s promises fulfilled.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Simeon’s example. Help me to be as consistent and faithful in following the Spirit’s leading as he did. Thank You too for the reminder of Your promises fulfilled, as they always are. Amen.