SATURDAY December 28, 2024

The 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 just––his life was governed by God’s high standard of justice. He was also devout. The word devout means “reverent, pious.” Simeon was a God-fearing man––a person who truly reverenced the Lord. His life was aligned with godly principles, having a high standard of moral integrity and a commitment to sincerely worship his God.

Simeon was in tune with the Lord, because he was full of the Holy Spirit. He patiently waited for the Consolation of Israel, a name used for Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. What a day this would be!

Joseph and Mary came into the Temple to present their Child to the Lord, according to the requirements of the Law (Luke 2:22-24). Simeon, whose greatest desire was to see the Consolation of Israel, was there at the right place, at the right time. It was the Spirit of God who led him. This devout man was able to see with his own eyes the Lord’s Christ. God kept His promise to Simeon. For a short while, he held the Child in his arms. Then in his praise to God, he gave a prophecy concerning Jesus’ life:

“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).

Mary and Joseph marveled at all of Simeon’s words. He continued to bless them both, but also addressed Mary personally––a sword would pierce her soul. Simeon, of course, spoke of the Cross. God’s Son, her Savior, would be pierced on a tree––nails would be placed in His hands and feet. Mary, seeing the Child she raised suffer such agony, would experience piercing sorrow at the foot of the Cross (Luke 2:34-35).

Look to the Cross, and hate your sin, for sin nailed your Well Beloved to the tree.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!