Simeon

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him the custom required by the Law, Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said, “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your Salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was previously unknown], And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel.” And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that is to be opposed— and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭35‬ ‭AMP‬‬

This passage always makes me weepy. Ponder this passage with me. Who was Simeon? Righteous, devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation and the Spirit was on him.

Looking forward. He spent his time studying, loving the LORD, and casting his eyes ahead. I looked up consolation on Vine’s Bible Dictionary.

means "a calling to one's side" (para, "beside," kaleo, "to call"); hence, either "an exhortation, or consolation, comfort," e.g., Luk 2:25(here "looking for the consolation of Israel" is equivalent to waiting for the coming of the Messiah); Vine’s 

Simeon read the Scriptures and knew that the Messiah would bring comfort. Do you need that reminder today? Our comfort has come.

The Spirit was not only on Simeon, he was on Joseph and Mary. He guided them to Simeon. What comfort! He had waited his whole life, his ancestors had done the same, and yet, he is given the gift of holding the Promised One. God brought this together for Simeon’s comfort. God is so good.

Simeon’s praise. This was selfless. this wasn’t Simeon seeking recognition. Rather, he tells the LORD, you can dismiss me. This wasn’t about him. This was about the Savior, Messiah that has come. Did the LORD come to Simeon, at some point, and tell this would be in his lifetime? Oh, i bet. Simeon saw the Beloved One. His salvation has come.

This part too: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” Simeon saw this baby was for the entire world. Not just God’s people, Israel. He was to be for ALL people. “Glory to your people Israel.” He was for Israel. He was and is for all people.

Simeon ends with a blessing for these parents, but also a warning especially to Mary. Being the mother of our Lord Jesus contained such blessing, but suffering would be a part of this as well. Prepare yourself. Mary was there for his birth and she was there in his death. “A sword will pierce your soul.” Luke 2:35

So, this day, we celebrate what has happened. We also, like Simeon, look forward to the day Christ returns. Advent.

Come, Lord Jesus.