2023 Advent Devotional - Luke 2:25-35 (Day 27)

Luke 2:25-35 “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,  32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
 
The long game. Simeon was playing the long game. Simeon was trusting what God had promised him, that he would see the Christ (Jesus) before he died. How many people had been waiting for that time? How many years/days left did he have before it was to late? But did he stumble? Did he ever wonder our doubt that it was going to happen? We don’t know. But what we do know is that he was consistent in his faith.

Webster defines “devout” as “committed, pursuit, a mode of behavior and righteous as acting in accord with a divine law.”  What was Simeon doing while he was waiting. Living life, spending time with God and God’s family. So it would make sense that he would see Jesus while at the temple.

So the question we need to ask ourselves is, are we playing the long game? Are we trusting the promises that Jesus has given us. John 3: 16 states it clearly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  A little latter in John Jesus says, “ In my Fathers house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

Q: How do we keep the faith in the long game when the world around us criticizes it?
A: Follow Simeon’s lead.
1) Be in the word on a daily/consistent basis.  Psalm 119: 105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my fee and a light unto my path
2) Go to church and/or a small group on a consistent basis. Hebrews 10: 25, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that he day of his returning is drawing near.”
3) Listen to Preaching of God’s word.   Romans 10: 17, “So faith comes from what is heard and, and what is heard by the sharing/preaching/Word of Christ”
4) Pray. Phillipians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to Do. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hears and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus help us to be like Simeon and be consistent in the long game, in following and trusting in your promises. - By Will Kiehl