SUNDAY December 28, 2025

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 aligned with godly principles. He had a high standard of moral integrity and 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.

In God’s providence, Joseph and Mary came into the Temple to present Jesus to God, 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, and 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 had the privilege to hold the Child in his arms. Then as he praised God, he also 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).

This was yet another occasion where Mary and Joseph marveled at words spoken about their Son. Simeon blessed them both, and then he addressed Mary personally, saying, “...a sword will 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 would see the Child she raised suffer tremendous agony (Luke 2:35).

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!