Luke 2:21-32
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise Him, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.
22 When the time of their purification [33rd day] according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation 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 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel." [emphasis mine]
Can you even imagine what it must have been like for Simeon to finally see and hold and bless the Lord's CHRIST? As he held that tiny baby in his arms and praised God - Baby Jesus held the hope of world in His hands.
Simeon is a great example of FAITH... trusting God for that which is not yet seen... [Heb. 11:1]
He was old and had waited patiently for God's perfect timing - he had faith that God would fulfill the promise made to him - he was obedient to the Lord's commands - he was righteous and devout. The Promise 'came to be' and his reward was worth the wait!
Choosing Great JOY,
Stephanie
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