Simeon

Luke 2: 25-28

“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…”

Simeon was a man in waiting.  He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.  This consolation (comfort) would be embodied in the coming of the Messiah.  That is when God would comfort Israel.  

So, Simeon waited in prayer and in expectation, keeping himself open to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Through the Holy Spirit, he knew that he would one day see the Messiah face to face.

Like Simeon, the Messiah is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit over the course of our lifetime. Throughout this process, we come to know Him; to truly know Him.

And He is our great consolation.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)