A FAMOUS UNKNOWN MAN "And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just 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). -- Monday:
Everyone associated with the birth of Jesus, became well known, whether they were good or evil. Herod, though wicked, became known for his reaction when our Lord came into this world. Lowly and nameless shepherds, on the other hand, became famous because of their association with that holy birth. Even wise men from the East obtained significance in relation to Jesus' birth.
There is another man of whom nothing at all is known apart from events related to our Savior's birth. His name is Simeon, and he was "just and devout." That is, he was holy or righteous in character ("just"), and devout or circumspect in his conduct ("devout"). There was glorious harmony between his person and his demeanor. In him, truth had been internalized. His posture of life is described, unveiling his acquaintance with the Scriptures and the effectiveness of his faith. He is described as "waiting for the Consolation of Israel." He knew God was going to send One who would console the hearts of men, binding up the broken hearted, and releasing the captives. With his eyes cast heavenward, he was waiting. What is more, the Holy Spirit was upon him to strengthen him, and cause his faith to firmly cleave to that expectation. The Holy Spirit was at home upon this man of holy character, whose hope was set upon the coming Christ.
Through a special revelation, the Lord had made known to Simeon that he would not die until he had actually seen "the Lord's Christ." Thus Simeon lived in expectation in Jerusalem, not knowing when the Messiah would come, but knowing it would be before he died.
The sensitivity of this holy man is further seen in his directability. He "came by the Spirit into the temple" at the appropriate time (v 27). On that particular day, three other people came by the Spirit to the temple to honor God by keeping His holy law. They were Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, "to do for Him according to the custom of the Law." The holy child was forty days old (2:21-24; Lev 12:2-6), and they had traveled with Him from Bethlehem, 5-10 miles away.
Simeon took the holy Child in his arms, blessed Him, and told God he was now ready to die (v 28-30). He then declared Jesus had been sent to both Jew and Gentile (v 31-32). Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph, and told them Jesus would mean the rise and fall of many in Israel, and would be spoken against. A sword would also pierce His mother's heart, as He would die in her presence (v 34-35). Thank God for this holy man, who obtained significance through his association with the birth of the Lord Jesus.
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I seek the sort of honor and dignity that comes from being with Your Son.