God’s plan was for his Messiah to offer hope to all. The good news that brings great joy is truly for all people. The comfort of God’s presence is powerful as he comes alongside us. We see the world, our problems, and our future hope in light of God’s promises…
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, 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.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 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.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:25-38 NIV
Simeon was waiting for the comfort, consolation, and encouragement of Israel. The Greek word is the same root of the word used to describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit as one who comes alongside us in comfort and advocacy.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of God comforting his people (40:1-2, 49:13, 51:3, 12, 52:7-10). The promise of Messiah is a promise of delivery of this hope and God coming alongside his people. Could you use God’s presence to come alongside you in a greater way today?
For Simeon, the experience of fulfillment was so great when he held Jesus that he offered to God to dismiss him in peace. He was ready to die having seen the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Let us not miss that his proclamation included the sight of all nations and the promise of revelation to the Gentiles. From the start, God’s plan was for his Messiah to offer hope to all. The good news that brings great joy is truly for all the people.
The prophet Anna came up to Mary and Joseph in this moment and worshiped God. She was also looking forward to the redemption Messiah would bring and saw the fulfillment of God’s promise in this child, Jesus. God has come alongside us in the person of Christ Jesus.
The consolation and comfort of God’s presence is powerful when we sit in the shadow of his love. Psalm 46 offers for us to be still and know that he is God. When we cease striving and rest in the presence and comfort of God, we will see the world, our problems, and our future hope with great clarity and God’s perspective.
Come let us adore him.
Amen.
Marc Kinna
marckinna 