-December 9, 2022-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:25-26).
“So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus, to do according to the custom of the law, he took Him into his arms and blessed God…(Luke 2:27-28).
Luke is the one gospel writer to include this beautiful story of Simeon in Luke 2:25-35). The Holy Spirit revealed to this dear saint that he would not see death until he had seen the Lords Christ. He was an old man and but he was still patiently waiting with a confident expectation. No one knew the time of Christ’s first advent, but Simeon knew that it would be in his lifetime. It reminds me of the words of the song that says, God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me. God said it, and I believe and that settles it for me. Though some may doubt that His word is true, I’ve chosen to believe it, now how about you? God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me.”
Simeon held tightly to God’s promise to him because he held tightly to His hand. Every day he came into the temple he probably thought, “Today may be the day He comes.” That is exactly what we should think each day. Jesus promised that He would come again. We just don’t know the day or the hour. We sense more than ever, His coming is very near. The signs of the times are everywhere.
Imagine the joy and comfort he experienced when Mary and Joseph brought in the Baby Jesus into the temple to circumcise Him on the eight day of His life. He had no doubt or question that Jesus was the promised Messiah for the Jews, for the world, and especially for him. He took the Babe into his arms and blessed God. And what he said about Him was so incredible: He said of Him, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).
Not only did Simeon praise God that he saw Jesus with his own two eyes, but he prophesied of Jesus’ death on the cross when he told Mary, “…Behold this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34c -35.
Let us rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s plan to send His Son into the world to seek and to save those who are lost. Oh that we would claim all the promises of God. God always keeps His promises. May the joy of Christmas permeate our souls and cause us to look forward to His second coming. He will come in the clouds to snatch us out of this world and take us to heaven.
Have a blessed day and joyful Christmas season. Stay safe and healthy.
With waiting eyes, ears, and heart for Jesus to come for us,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 