Concerning Jesus; concerning our time
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking 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. Luke 2:25-26
Something caught my attention in Luke Chapter 2. I think you’ll understand why as you read.
The Bible, a Book from antiquity, is astonishingly current. Here we see an obscure, ancient prophet named Simeon, living his life, following his God, with a promise in his heart—he would not die before he saw the Messiah. This event, a snapshot in obscurity, would have faded forever had Luke not discovered it in his investigations and recorded it in his book about Jesus. And something Simeon prophesied that day reverberates today, shining a spotlight on the antagonistic provokers of our time.
“And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God…” Luke 2:27-28
It just so happened that this godly elder, holding fast to his promise from God, wandered into the temple at the very moment Mary and Joseph brought the Baby to be circumcised.
The Holy Spirit must have whispered to that gentleman, “This is the One you’ve longed to see!” as Simeon, undoubtedly overwhelmed with emotion, took the Infant into his arms and blessed God.
Are you waiting for God’s promise to you to manifest? Then like Simeon, continue on in righteousness and devotion with an eye to God’s Word, and let the Holy Spirit move on you, through you, and for you. One of these days, you, too, will wander into the manifestation of God’s promise for you. Just keep on keeping on in humble devotion and faith.
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
When God brings forth His promise to you, follow Simeon’s example—thank Him. Rejoice before Him in it. Give Him the extreme praise that He so rightfully deserves.
By the Spirit of God, Simeon’s eyes were opened to the import of this long-awaited Child he held in his arms. He uttered an unthinkably amazing truth: This little Man—the Messiah—was indeed the glory of Israel, and He was also a light of revelation to the Gentiles—the very One declared way back by the prophet Isaiah. (See Isaiah 9:1-7; Isaiah 42:5-7; Isaiah 49:6-7; Isaiah 51:4; Isaiah 60:1-3.)
“And Simeon…said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’” Luke 2:34-35
The beautiful scene of God fulfilling a long-awaited promise to an elderly saint also revealed the sober personal and global impact this Child would have.
To Mary, one day a sword would pierce her own soul when she would witness Him brutally crucified, taking on the sins of the world.
And as Isaiah had prophesied, “…the government will be upon His shoulder…” (see Isaiah 9:6). This One would sit as Judge over rulers and be appointed for the rise and fall of many in Israel. For that, matter, He would rule invisibly over all nations, even to the end of the world…and as a sign to be opposed.
Think about it. Has not Jesus been a sign that many seem hell-bent to oppose? Has not this Man of Peace, who laid down His life for the world, incurred the disgust, disdain, and wrath of many who have abhorred Him throughout history? Do you see any of that going on now in this hour?
Simeon foretold that all this hate was unto a specific end—to reveal the thoughts from many hearts.
This opposition is not a terrifying, out-of-control thing; no—it was predicted from the early days of Jesus’ life and has a purpose for those who seek to follow Him. Boiled down, this is what Simeon’s prophecy revealed: When opposition arises to the truth pertaining to Christ or even to simple, believing adherence to Him, use this as a sign—God has just revealed the opposer’s heart. Fear not, and proceed in faith—the Light of the world has your back.
The battle belongs to the Lord.
Dorothy
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…’” 2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm… Exodus 14:14, NLT
© 2017, Dorothy Frick