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Introduction
Luke’s Christmas story keeps on going after the shepherds return to their flock.
He shares with his readers what has become known as the Presentation.
It is where Jesus’ earthly parents were required by Jewish law to present their son for circumcision and then present him in the temple.
Leviticus 12:3
Leve
This was an important event for firstborn sons.
Exodus
The circumcision marked him as a Jewish male and sealed him with the sign of the covenant of God with Israel.
The parents were to offer a gift at the temple.
Leviticus 12:8
While they were there, they encountered a man named Simeon.
A man named Simeon
-3
We don’t know much about this man apart from this passage, but the more I study him here, the more I want to be like him!
There are several characteristics that would do any of us well to be on our New Year’s resolution list.
The first characteristic we can learn about Simeon is that he was RIGHTEOUS
RIGHTEOUS
This term is from the same description Dr. Luke describes about Elizabeth and Zechariah in
Luke 1:6
Simeon exemplified walking with God.
That is exactly what it meant for him to be described as righteous.
Habakkuk 2:4
Are you righteous?
Are you a person that lives upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly?
Simeon was described as righteous, and he was also in the same sentence described as DEVOUT.
DEVOUT
Devout means giving attention to religious details.
It is used in several places in the Bible.
King Obadiah in was described as a devout believer in the Lord.
In Cornelius, the Centurion in the Italian Regiment, and his family were described as devout and God-fearing, giving generously to those in need and praying to God regularly.
Simeon was a devout man.
He gave great attention to the details of practicing his faith.
Perhaps you might be seen as devout if you attend church regularly, you study your bible daily, you spend time in prayer, and you devote yourself to the ways of God.
As a result, you and I can learn much about being devout and being righteous.
But you must be careful here.
Being righteous and devout does not come from being religious, but rather from being in a relationship.
Simeon knew what it meant to be in a relationship with God.
He knew that there were certain things in that relationship he needed to do to help that relationship grow and flourish.
Simeon was righteous, devout and he was looking for comfort in Christ.
Comfort in Christ
Or as seen in this passage, the Consolation of Israel.
Simeon had studied this great prophetic passage.
He had heard it read in the temple and he was given this comfort in his heart so he was expecting it.
What a joy to be expecting something or someone, and then to feel that joy when it is presented.
I think of my Granny Marlowe standing on the porch looking for us to come visit her when she was able for that to happen.
When we arrived, we were always greeted by hugs, food, and a great time of fellowship.
Simeon recognized that this comfort, the consolation of Israel, was going to be found in this Christ child.
How did he know that?
That gives us the next characteristic we can learn from Simeon:
He was GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit and was given a gift of prophecy.
The Spirit gave him a message and led him to deliver that message right then and there.
You and I are also guided by the Spirit if we have Christ in our lives.
Christ uses the Spirit to lead us and to show us not only right from wrong but empowers us and equips us to carry out the tasks assigned by our Lord.
Simeon was led by the Spirit that he as a humble, righteous and devout man would see God’s child before he died.
The Spirit led him to the courtyard at the just the right time to find Jesus.
What a divine appointment!
You and I also have divine appointments, if you are willing to let the Spirit show you!
EMBRACED JESUS
Luke 2:
Have you embraced Jesus?
Jesus came from heaven to earth to the cross so that you and I can have life!
He loved you enough to give you His very best.
He cared for you so much that he give His all.
That makes me want to embrace Him!
1 John 4:
You and I are capable of embracing Jesus and sharing His love just as He shares with us His love!
WE are capable of loving as we are loved and forgiving as we are forgiven!
Simeon embraced Jesus and then Praised God!
PRAISING GOD
This is another characteristic you and I can do!
When we realize the Love of Christ, our first instinct should be to praise Him! Are you in the habit of praising God every day?
Simeon praised God for His Sovereignty, His promise, His peace, His salvation, and His redemptive work for both Gentiles and Israelites.
Someone once asked about the difference between praising God and thanking God.
The best answer I have ever heard is thanking God is looking at His hands and Praising God is looking at His face.
Are you praising God? Are you aware of just how mighty and great and powerful and holy He is?
Yet He desires a relationship with you and me!
Simeon was righteous; he was devout; he sought comfort in Christ; he was guided by the Holy Spirit; he embraced Jesus; He praised God, and he was ASSURED OF GOD’S PROMISE!
ASSURED OF GOD’S PROMISE
Simeon realized that God does not forget His people.
Simeon realized that God always fulfills His promise.
Simeon realized that God’s plan is forever!
As we leave this Christmas season and move on into a New Year, we have a great opportunity in front of us.
I want to be a modern day Simeon!
You can be one too!
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