Luke Chapter 2: verses 25-32 (NIV-UK)
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.’
God made a promise to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. We don’t know how long it was before that promise was fulfilled on the day of Jesus’ dedication in the temple. But Simeon held on faithfully to that promise and he also followed the prompting of the Holy spirit that day. Sometimes we have to be obedient to what God says in order for His promise to be fulfilled. Simeon testified to the faithfulness of God as he held the infant in his arms. But as God was faithful to him, Simeon in turn had been faithful to Him, and that’s the way it should be. God will be faithful to us and will keep His promise. Will we in our turn be faithful and obedient to Him while we are waiting?
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your faithfulness to Simeon and to me. Help me be as faithful to You as Simeon was. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.