Consolation of Israel
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. - Luke 2:25
Simeon was known as a man of great character. He was just––his life was conformed to God’s high standard of rightness. Therefore, in the eyes of God, he was deemed righteous. He was also strongly devout; he displayed a godly respect for the things of God. Simeon was a true example of a man who feared God.
Simeon patiently waited on the Lord for the “Consolation of Israel,” a name used for Christ––the long awaited Messiah. We do not know how long he had waited, but we see him being led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the perfect time and place to see Jesus Christ.
Soon, Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ parents, brought the Child into the temple to present Him to the Lord according to the law (Luke 2:22-24). Simeon’s greatest desire in life was now before him––the Lord’s Christ. He held in his arms the Child he knew was destined to comfort Israel. God had kept His promise to Simeon. Elated and empowered by the Holy Spirit he said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).
Simeon, prophesied that not only was the Christ Child given for the comfort and salvation of Israel, but He would be light to the heathen nations––the Gentiles as well. All people were to be blessed by the Messiah’s light and knowledge of salvation that had come through God’s chosen people––Israel.
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God.
~Isaiah 40:1~
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