Read Luke 2:25-35
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. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
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.”And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “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.”
Meditate
When I think of the word “promise” there is almost always another word that comes to mind: patience.
Maybe it is because of my childhood? My parents would say they were going to take me somewhere special, and I would say, “You promise?”. They would, but it was always a few days later before we would go.
So I would have to learn patience.
And that’s fine.
Except I want to learn patience right now.
Simeon had been given a promise—he would see the Christ child before he died. How long had he had looked at every child he saw? Did he wonder with each one of them, “Is this the one?”. Were there times he doubted the promise because time and children passed without the fulfillment?
What I do know is this—he had a promise. So, when he went to the temple, he came with an awareness of the working of the Holy Spirit in his life. He was going to the Lord’s Christ.
The promise gave him a purpose.
Let me say that again—the promise of God gave him a purpose in his life.
What is the last part of the blessing he passed on to baby Jesus: “…that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed”? This moment revealed Simeon’s heart. Day after day he had stayed true to his purpose until his faithfulness brought about the fulfillment of the promise.
Do you have a promise from God? Do you want one (the Bible is full of them)?
While you are patiently waiting on the fulfillment of the promise, practice daily walking in the purpose God has given you for your life.
Pray
“Father, thank you for your promises. Forgive my lack of patience, but help me to stay faithful to the purposes you have set before me. Reveal my heart as I fulfill your purpose in my life.”
Contemplate
- Do you have a “promise list”? This is a list of things God has promised to you. It may be things God has promised through Scripture or promises revealed through his Spirit. Begin to write those promises down. Review them often. When a promise has been fulfilled, write the date beside it. A list like this is a very visible reminder of God’s faithfulness.
- Along with a promise list, you need to know God’s purpose for your life. Take a few minutes to read “Discovering God’s Purpose for Your Life.” It is a little lengthy, and it will certainly cause you to stop and ask some hard questions, but use it as a springboard for preparing for 2020.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
