November 20 | By Faith Simeon Waited for the Messiah
Luke 2:26, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.”
Simeon was a Jew that lived in Jerusalem and was devoted to God. Today’s passage records that he was given a promise from the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die until he saw the promised Messiah. Luke then records that when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be presented before God, the Lord spoke to Simeon to go to the temple courts and meet Jesus (Luke 2:27).
As Simeon saw Jesus he took Him into his arms and praised God saying, “29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). Luke then records that Mary and Joseph marveled in the presence of God due to this man’s faith.
Lastly, Luke 2:34-35 records, “34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”
Simeon’s great faith encourages us today to never forget the promises that the Holy Spirit has spoken to our lives. I can only imagine how it must of felt for Simeon to daily go to the temple and come home without seeing the Messiah. Yet, he remained faithful to God’s promise to go back day after day, hoping each day the promise would be fulfilled.
Simeon didn’t give up or turn his back on God just because the promise tarried in coming- he remained true to God’s Word.
The prophet Habakkuk wrote many years prior during times of hardship, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3). May we all remember the promises that God has spoken to us and never lose faith. I believe, like with Simeon, God will do all that He said He would do!
Reflection
Do you believe God will do all He promised to do in your life?
Action
- Recall the promises that God has given you.
- Decide today to remain faithful to God’s promises no matter how long they take to come to pass. A.W. Pink said, “The permanence of God’s character guarantees the fulfillment of his promises.”
- By faith, never stop believing in God’s promises!
One Year Reading Plan
Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm 118:19-29, & Proverbs 28:3-5. Click here to read online.