Suggested reading: Luke chapter 2 verses 25-35.

We meet SIMEON today, who was on a different kind of ‘journey’ to that of the wise men. They travelled a long distance to Jerusalem but he lived in the city. We are told that he was ‘WAITING FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL’, which reveals that he had a more comprehensive vision than most people in the city. They were looking for a warrior king to deliver them from their enemies, whereas, Simeon was waiting for the birth of a baby! He would have been familiar with Isaiah’s prophecy: ‘Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son’, Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14. It was this Son, the Son of God, who would bring consolation to Israel. Simeon understood that the baby in Mary’s arms was not a future warrior king. Indeed, he knew that true consolation could only come about through suffering. Thus, he revealed to Mary, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also)’, Luke chapter 2 verses 34-35. He also saw that God’s salvation would not only embrace Israel but also the Gentiles, verse 32.

Simeon was so close to God that he had been promised by the Holy Spirit ‘that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ’, verse 26. This amazing and uplifting revelation led him to face death with a genuine sense of peace. Once he had held Christ in His arms, he declared, ‘Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation’, verse 29.

Do you know this same peace, through faith in Christ? He suffered to bring you to God! Belief in Him will enable you to face the future, even death, with confidence!