Dec.8 - Simeon: example of expectant waiting

Dec.8 - Simeon: example of expectant waitingNow 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 (Luke 2:25).

Simeon is an enigmatic figure in the biblical Christmas story.

We know almost nothing about this man: details of his family, his vocation, his tribe within Israel, and his hometown are all left silent in the text.

We do know that he was a righteous man, devout in the worship of God, and in possession of the Spirit of God. We know that in some unexplained way the Holy Spirit of God had revealed to this elderly saint that the Messiah would appear during his lifetime – that before he died, his eyes would see the Promised One.

And as he moved about the courts of Herod’s Temple, Simeon spotted the new parents, Mary and Joseph. The young couple had mounted the stairs to the Temple for Mary’s ritual purification and the presentation of their firstborn to the Lord.

Mothers – particularly first-time Moms – are instinctively protective of their newborns. What would Mary’s reaction have been when this unknown man approached and plucked the child from her arms?

But before she had opportunity to object, Simeon burst into a poetic praise of the Almighty: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation (Luke 2:29,30). 

Luke’s narrative indicates of Simeon, that He was waiting for the consolation of Israel (v.25).

Here’s what arrested my attention: the specific word Luke selected for waiting, was the identical term used by Paul when he said that as believers, we too are vigilantly waiting and watching: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Takeaway: In other words, there is a practical parallel: Simeon expectantly awaiting the coming of the infant Christ, should be our model of attentively, longingly, confidently awaiting the return of Christ.

 

graphic by Bill Davenport, freeimages.com

About Us

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28 The community at Bethel includes a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Young and old, families and singles, English-speakers and those with a French mother-tongue, various ethnic and religious backgrounds. We reflect the make up of the city of North Bay. More importantly though, we are a group of people who Jesus has saved through his work on the cross. By God's plan of redemption we were all brought into one family as brothers and sisters in Christ, given a mission to reach into our world and make disciples for Him. We hope you will find at Bethel a friendly, loving group of people striving to live for Jesus Christ. Whether you are visiting for the day or trying to find a permanent church home, you are welcome to join us as we together seek out Him.

Logo