“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.” The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. 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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2 v 25-35)
He is righteous, he’s a good man to have around, you can count on him, dependable, walked with God, he chose wisely.
He is devout, he’s a devoted to God kind of man, someone who served God, who gave his life to Him and the work of God.
He embraced the suffering of Israel and their desperate need for a Messiah to come and strengthen the people, ‘comfort my people’ would have been his prayer.
Simeon, a good man. What else?
Oh yes!! The Holy Spirit was on him! Such beautiful words. It is all that matters. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him a promise of seeing the Messiah. He was moved by the Spirit.
Pause right there for the 3 important prayers.
Holy Spirit come on me.
Holy Spirit speak to me.
Holy Spirit lead me.
And then he took Jesus in his arms.
Have you held Him in your arms?
Are you a carrier? He will change the way you live, speak, think and act. You will walk differently, live differently, there will be an incredible change in your life as you carry Him.
Then he prays to Sovereign Lord, to God. He now fully realises God’s plan. Salvation through Jesus was not only for the Jews. Jesus was certainly for the comfort of Israel but he was far more than this. This salvation was spilling over from Israel to the whole world, to all peoples of all nations. Simeon was right. Jesus does cause offence. He will cause the falling and rising of many. And Mary will be hurt at the foot of the cross.
And there in the Temple Luke has brought the whole Godhead together in a very ordinary yet powerful moving picture of an old man and the Trinity.
He is showing the end of a chapter and the start of a new one.
The Sovereign God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit heralding the new season. He still does.
Missions Paul 