It is not uncommon for God to give revelation during praise that grows out of our relationship with Him. As we praise God, He may provide us with insight into how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us or how we can deepen our relationship with Him. Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.[1]
As we praise the Lord with our whole heart, our innermost desires and motives are directed toward God. It is during these moments of genuine worship that the Lord can give us insight to fulfill His purposes in our lives, as we see in the story of Simeon.
Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Then one day, God, in His faithfulness, prompted Simeon by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple. Not only would Simeon see His long-awaited Savior, but God would also give him additional revelation.
God’s Revelation Ripples through Time
As Simeon encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the Temple, he took the child in his arms and praised God for allowing him to see the Savior before he died. During this time of praising God, the Lord gave Simeon a revelation about the baby Jesus that must have surprised him.
Luke 2:32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel![2] During His ministry, Jesus referred to Himself as the Light of the World. John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [3]
Following Jesus transforms our lives; without faith, we walk in darkness and follow the world. Faith in Jesus guides us toward eternal life, lighting our way. If you’ve never believed, ask Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart to walk in the Light. As God works in people’s hearts around the world, we can give praise to God!
Opposition to the Baby Jesus Revealed
Hearing that Jesus would be a light to the nations must have been wonderful, but Simeon revealed a more serious side of the child’s life as he blessed them. Luke 2:34This 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. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul. [4]
With Jesus, no one would be sitting on the fence, as people either accept Him as their Savior or reject Him. He would be a sign, but people would speak against Him. This division would reveal the attitude of people’s hearts, and it continues to happen today. Mary was the only person who was present at both Jesus’ birth and His death. She saw the Jews reject and kill Jesus, which must have cut her to the heart.
No matter your circumstance today, God can still give revelation during praise. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gifts-of-praise
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.