"Up in Arms"
EPISODE 104
Learn from Simeon’s Words
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What's on your "bucket list?" While we likely all have things we'd like to do before we die, a man named Simeon had something added to his list by none other than the Holy Spirit.
"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. 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" (Luke 2:25-26).
As promised, Simeon meets baby Jesus in the temple, holds him in his arms, and tells Mary and Joseph some extraordinary things about their newborn son.
God Keeps His Word
"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word" (Luke 2:29).
Whenever God speaks, you can take his words to the bank! And when he promised Simeon that he'd get to see Jesus before he died, that's exactly what happened. If God is trustworthy in small promises, we can count on him in more significant ones too.
So, trust him to take care of your physical needs (Matt. 6:30), to deliver you from temptation (1 Cor. 10:13), and ultimately to save your soul from death (John 3:16)!
Salvation is for All
"for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
Simeon recognized the truth that many Jews seemed to ignore. Not only would Jesus save his people, the Israelites, he would also rescue the rest of the world too. But God had already revealed the extent of his salvation (Ps. 98:2), though many Jews were too prideful to acknowledge it.
Praise God that his salvation has been extended to all people through Jesus, including you and I today!
Difficult Times Are Ahead
"Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).
Simeon then turns to Mary, revealing what no mother wants to hear — difficult times are ahead! Rather than being loved and accepted by all, Jesus would face extreme opposition. And Mary herself would be pierced through with grief over his rejection (John 19:25-27). But through the upcoming dark time of sorrow, hope remained that many would rise to experience salvation!
So, let us accept Christ today with pure thoughts and honest hearts, rather than rejecting him.
While just a brief encounter, Simeon was blessed to hold the Savior in his arms. May his words lead us to trust in God's promises, to see the salvation he brings, and to accept Christ as our Lord and King!
