Last month we focused on marveling and looking at a few characters in God’s amazing Christmas story. We looked first at the marveling of Mary, then at the awestruck shepherds, and finally, the marvel-ous gifts of the Wisemen. Today, as we focus on rest, we invite you to join us as we continue to explore Jesus’s birth. We want to peek into the life of a man named Simeon, as he beholds the light and finds rest for his soul. Perhaps you will find rest for your soul, as well.
Simeon is a significant, yet often overlooked, character in the Christmas story. In Luke 2:25-32 NLT we discover a brief bio and snap shot of Simeon’s life. It reads,
“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised. I have seen your salvation,which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
We learn so much in these few short verses, including:
Who Simeon Is
These verses tell us Simeon was a just and devout man. In other words, he was respectful and reverent toward God. Some translations say he was a righteous man that loved God and put him first. Three times these verses say that the Holy Spirit was upon him. And he listened to the Spirit when He prompted him to go to the Temple. Simeon would not have known the Spirit’s prompting unless he knew God. What a good reminder not only to seek God with all of our hearts, but also that God promises He will be found by us when we do.
What God Promised
This passage tells us that Simeon was older in age (verse 26), but he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Christ. Simeon knew that one day he would see the Messiah with his own eyes, because it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before that, and he believed it.
For generations the people of Israel were waiting expectantly for a Messiah – someone who would save them. The people were picturing a king, a political figure who would bring Israel freedom from the Romans. A baby was not what came to their minds, but instead a savior who would deliver them from their oppressors. Luke 2:25 tells us that Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. That word implies comfort. They needed God’s comfort and rescue, and we the same today, whether we know it or not.
Israel was taken captive as a result of the people’s sin and exiled into Babylon. Romans 6:16 reminds us that our sin holds us captive, as well. It says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the prophet Isaiah spends 39 chapters describing the trouble that sin had brought the Israelites. But God promises a plan. Isaiah 40 tells them that God would turn their circumstances around bring them comfort. Only God knew when that comfort would come.
Fast forward 1000 years and we arrive at the days of Simeon. As Israel awaits God’s big promise, the people’s sins were piling up, their oppressors were on the rise, and the people were crying out for comfort. Simeon’s study of the prophets – especially Isaiah – showed him that God promised to bring restoration from the line of David. This little baby was the promise fulfilled, and Simeon would hold this precious child and bless him. And in the process of being used by God to bless Jesus and his parents, Simeon was given the gift of rest for his soul, knowing that he had seen and held God’s promised salvation and comfort.
God’s Promise is for Everyone
In Simeon’s prayer to God at the temple, he described Jesus as “a light to reveal God to the nations, and . . . the glory of your people Israel!” Not only did Simeon behold that light, but we can, too. What do you long for, focus on and what fills your life? Is your hope in God and his promises? We live in a world with many competing voices. But friends he will come again and He will finish what he started. Simeon is an excellent example for us not only of waiting and longing, but also of that longing being fulfilled. His faith turned to sight as he took up the Savior in his arms.
Simeon also stands as a testimony of how we can and should anticipate the return of the Messiah. Simeon looked forward to his first coming and we
should anticipate his second coming. Acts 1:11 says, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way you saw him go into heaven.” God didn’t intend for us to stop everything and bide our time until Christ returns. To the contrary, Jesus himself told us to “go and make disciples. So, what does that look like in 2024? I think it is to have a heart that invites others to join us in fellowship through faith in Jesus. That way we will see them again in heaven when Jesus returns for a second time. Waiting well also involves desiring to know God through his word and prayer.
We at The Sublime Soiree believe our Savior is the definition of Sublime and that He makes this one life that we have to last forever. He continually extends the invitation for us to join Him through faith in His Son.
Even though our Christmas celebrations are over, the presents have been unwrapped, and we have turned over a New Year, let’s pause to take in God’s story. It is not just a Christmas story, it is Christ’s story. Let’s continue to take it in, marvel and be awed as we look at the life of Simeon. And as we read, let us rest in the generosity and sovereignty of our Creator.
— Sue M. Lindsey, © January 2024
