In this week’s story, Simeon seems to be hearing from God for others. Mary and Joseph had come to the Temple to perform the firstborn’s redemption and the mother’s purification after the birth of Jesus. There they meet Simeon, and he recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah.
Who was Simeon?
Luke 2: 25 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 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[1]
From these verses, we learn that Simeon was righteous and devout. This would mean that Simeon followed the Mosaic law to his best ability. He was waiting for Messiah to come and rescue Israel. Many others had been waiting for God to send someone to rescue them for generations. They knew God had saved the nation from slavery in Egypt and that prophets had foretold another rescue to come.
Simeon also had a unique relationship with the Holy Spirit. Even though he was elderly, God had told him that he would see Messiah with his own eyes. God had also given Simeon words for this baby and family.
Passing God’s Words onto Others
God urged Simeon to go to the Temple that day and pointed out Jesus as the Savior. Simeon knew that Jesus would be the promised Savior for both the Jews and Gentiles. Some would believe, but others would not. Simeon said blessings over Mary and Joseph, and they were amazed. God gave this revelation to Simeon through the power of the Holy Spirit.
God has not changed and still can use the Holy Spirit to give us words of encouragement for ourselves and others. We must be in a close relationship with God to hear these words. God loves it when we are willing to spend time with Him to listen.
Shawn Bolz says, “Revelation is given to us so we can carry a piece of God’s heart from eternity into the world.”[2]
May you listen and receive God’s words of encouragement for yourself and others. To learn more about hearing from God for others, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-reward-is-worth-the-wait
[1] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
[2] https://www.heavensbusiness.org/blog/how-to-hear-god-for-others