My old pal Simeon

Some of you have heard my sermon at this time of year about Simeon of Luke Chapter 2. He spent all his life serving God, praying for Israel and being at the Tabernacle. Why? Because God made a promise to him that he would not see death until he saw the Christ. (v.26)

Every devout Israelite awaited the Messiah, but this man had found favor with God. As Simeon prayed day in and day out, performing God’s will in his life, he grew older. But we never see where his faith wavered.

Then one day, a day that seemed like any other day, Simeon was setting outside the temple. Suddenly the Holy Spirit told him to get up and enter. How his heart must have quickened! Something was up, but what?

There before him was a young woman and her husband with their child to be circumcised. The Spirit showed him his long ago promise from God had been fulfilled, right before his eyes.

The bible tells us in verse 28 the he “Took him (Jesus) up in his arms and blessed God”. After all these years his prayers were answered. His prayers for a Messiah and the salvation of the Israel and the world were answered! God answers prayer in His time, not ours!

But God rewarded his faithfulness beyond what was promised. Notice God allowed Simeon to HOLD Jesus. Do you realize what that means? The Creator, who came to earth and became flesh, allowed His faithful servant to cradle Him in his arms. Simeon was allowed to intimately hold God Himself and look into his face. (v.28). What a blessing for a lifetime of faithfulness! Then to Mary and Joseph’s astonishment, Simeon began to prophesy about what Christ was to do in this world. (v.34,35) Why were they astonished? Because they were travelling in secret. Remember Herod wanted to kill Jesus.

Please read the story, and the following about Anna. See God’s Christmas gift to both of them.

But I want to make a point about God’s faithfulness to his children. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life, then God the Father promises you also may see Him in Heaven! He sent His Son not as just a stirring story, but as a sacrifice for your sins. His sacrifice was Jesus. His Christmas gift to Simeon and Anna can also be yours. Won’t you join the chorus and sing praises to the King? Won’t you accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation? Merry Christmas!