Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35
Simeon Sees
According to the Law, when Jesus was 40 days old, his parents had to present him at the temple in Jerusalem, along with the proper sacrifices, because he was the firstborn son. When the young family arrives at the temple, they encounter a very special old man, Simeon.
Simeon had lived his life as a devout Jew. The Bible describes him as righteous and says that the Holy Spirit was upon him. He has been waiting and looking for the Messiah his entire adult life. He must have had a really unique relationship with the Holy Spirit, because it actually says that the Holy Spirit tells Simeon that he will see the Christ before he dies.
Simeon Recognizes
I think that there are a couple reasons why Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Messiah.
- He is expectantly watching for the Messiah. It is difficult to see something when you are not looking for it.
- He is in the right place at the right time because he is “in the Spirit” before he ever gets to the temple. Simeon’s spiritual ears were listening, and he was allowing the Holy Spirit to direct his steps.
He takes the baby Jesus into his arms to bless the child and recognizes the boy as the long-awaited Messiah. I imagine that Simeon is filled with joy as he sees and recognizes the fulfillment of generations of hopes and expectations.
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvationthat you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
Simeon Prophesies
The Holy Spirit speaks through Simeon, identifying Jesus as God’s salvation, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, a light for glory to the Israelites. Then, he prophesies:
“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34b-35
Joseph and Mary are astounded at the words of this man of God, who is a stranger to them.
ACTION STEP:
Could someone describe me as devout, righteous, and having the Holy Spirit upon me? Am I actively watching for what God is doing around me? Am I listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit to direct my steps, like Simeon did? Take some time this week to examine your receptiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Please post your thoughts and pics under Week 5 in the Facebook group @DevoInAction (https://www.facebook.com/devoinaction) or post on Instagram and tag me @devoinaction!
#diawitnesses
PRAYER:
Dear God, Help us to be like Simeon. Holy Spirit, rest on us and in us. Help us to follow your leading and direction. Give us eyes to see where you are at work around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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