based on the LGG Advent Study, Rejoice / w2d1
Scripture for the Journey – Luke 2:25-32; Psalm 147:1-3(3); Isaiah 61:1-3
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying,29 “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. 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.”
Luke 2:25-32 NET
As believers, we wait today for that glorious day when Jesus will come and gather His people to meet Him in the air, but until that day – we are blessed with the presence of Jesus, Emmanuel, which means God with us1. Simeon and God’s people before him waited for the Messiah’s first coming. Keep in mind we have not been told how old Simeon is or how long he has been waiting. What we are told is that he was righteous and devout and eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. We are told that the Holy Spirit was not only upon him but had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s promised Messiah. We are told that the Spirit led him to the Temple, so he was there when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple to meet the requirements of the law. Finally, we are told that Simeon had the privilege of taking Jesus in his arms, at which time he gave praise to God for the long-awaited gift that would allow him to die in peace and to see God’s salvation that had been prepared not just for the Jews but for all people. Simeon clearly understood and rejoiced in the fact that this child was the promised light sent to “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide the feet of the people into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).
Oh, how I love the story of Simeon, who was not only waiting but was looking for the promised Messiah, the hope and restoration of Israel, and the light that would shine for all people to see their way out of the shadow of death into the glorious light of salvation. Jesus is that light, and as our Savior, He is also the one Who has united us with God; and because of this, we know Him as the One who “heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds,” just as the Psalmist wrote about.
In full disclosure, I have grown a bit weary lately in waiting, but a fresh look at Simeon and the hope of God’s promises being fulfilled reminded me to lift up my eyes as I wait and to remember that I belong to the One Who binds up wounds and heals the brokenhearted. – Hallelujah and amen!
Prayer of Response to the Journey
God, help me to live a righteous and devout life, committed to You above all else – faithfully watching and waiting for that glorious day when Jesus will come and gather His people to meet Him in the air2. While I wait, help me to be alert and yielded to Your Spirit’s leading just as Simeon was – so that when You come, I am where You want me to be – Thank You for the hope of Your promises and for reminding me to lift my eyes up to You. Thank You that I belong to the One who binds up wounds and heals the brokenhearted. Thank You for the presence of Your Spirit with me so that I do not wait alone. Help me to follow the words of Paul and encourage others with the truths about the rapture, for these truths will help us to not grieve hopelessly but rather to anticipate the joyful celebration of being in the presence of Jesus our Lord! – In Whose name I trust and pray – Amen 💜
Me From the Inside Out 