Waiting - A Promise Filled
Simeon was described as righteous and devout. He was “waiting,” like the Advent season finds most of us. Simeon models for us several things:
-He was filled by the Spirit of God
-He received instruction and promises from the Holy Spirit.
-He was obedient to the Holy Spirit that directed him to go to the Temple.
-He took the Christ child in his hands, lifted Him up, and worshiped Him.
Simeon believed when few others truly believed in Christ’s coming. He never gave up but kept trusting and looking.
Simeon represented all who saw that their only hope was in the mercy and grace of God. Along with the poor carpenter, his wife, and the outcast shepherds, he was a flesh-and-blood example of those to whom Christ comes. He personified the paradox of being profoundly empty and profoundly full. He longed for the righteousness and consolation that would come only through the Messiah. He came to God’s house hungry, and he was filled.
One commentary describes it this way. As he held the baby Jesus, he began to praise God in song, and his song laid down for Mary and Joseph (and for us) the purpose of the Christ Child. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.” (Luke 2:29).
With the baby in his arms, secure in God’s presence, Simeon experienced a profound peace in his soul. After all, he held in his hands the “Prince of Peace” (prophesied in Isaiah 9:6), the one of whom the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). God’s favor rested upon Simeon. He was ready to die and go home to be with his God forever.
Simeon’s reason was clear: “For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). The baby Jesus was and is God’s salvation. Christ is totally sufficient. He is all we need!
True peace comes only when we, like Simeon, call Jesus God’s salvation, in anticipation of the cross. We rest our souls in him alone.
This Advent season, will you wait patiently, respond obediently to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and worship Jesus Christ?
Larry Bertrand, Adult Bible Teacher
