Lisa Sheffler, author

What’s it like when something that you’ve hoped for finally happens? When that moment of expectation and anticipation is finally realized?

The long awaited Messiah didn’t enter this world with a cataclysmic bang, but with the sound of a baby’s cry. Only those whom God chose to alert even knew of his coming. But for them, their hope in God was realized.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, some of God’s faithful ones had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. Though hundreds of years had passed since the authoritative word of God had been spoken, they were still keeping watch and trusting that God would be true to his promise to send a Messiah to rescue and reign.

In his Gospel, Luke tells us about two of these people, Simeon and Anna. Today, let’s meet Simeon and see his reaction when he holds the object of his hope.

Read

Luke 2:25-35

²⁵ 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. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ 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, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,

³¹ which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

 

³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Reflect

Simeon was waiting and longing for the Messiah, the “consolation of Israel”.  Luke shows us Simeon in the temple at the very time Mary and Joseph brought in Jesus to perform the custom of the law, presenting him to God.  This custom was observed 40 days after the birth.

In Simeon’s brief appearance, we are told, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.” I wonder, how many times did Simeon go to the temple hoping for a glimpse of the Messiah? How much time did he spend waiting and wondering, asking the Holy Spirit “is that him”? At last, he not only sees Jesus, but holds him in his arms.

In recalling the promise of God, Simeon looks forward to what this incredibly special child will do. He is God’s salvation, not just for the Jewish people, but for all people. God was doing something truly remarkable. The King of kings and Lord of lords had come at last to bring light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.

Mary and Joseph marvel. Simeon’s final words alert them that this great salvation will come at a cost. Jesus will not be welcomed with open arms. People’s true motives will be revealed. Mary would one day see her Son crucified to save the world. But she would also see him raised to new life and ascend to the right hand of the Father to reign. God’s promises are always fulfilled. He is faithful.

Perhaps during this Advent season you need to be reminded that God is faithful to his promises. No matter how long we have to watch and wait, we will experience the goodness of God. Let the fulfillment of Simeon’s promise encourage you today.

What promises of God have you seen fulfilled in your own life? Take some time today to remember, and express gratitude for the faithfulness of God.