Simeon the Spirit-Filled

Faithful til the end.

Honestly, Simeon should be as inspirational as a character to most people as anyone. Few of us will be as bold as someone such as Peter. Fewer still would be those as evangelistically entrepreneurial as Paul. Theologians as rich as John just can’t be numerous. Noe one reading these words is famous. We’re just trying to be faithful in our contexts, to our families, neighborhoods, and places of responsibility.

Simeon seems to be someone who had the long-lasting kind of faithfulness most of us seek.

The first set of words he speaks are strong and conclusive (they’d make a great benediction at your funeral).

Only Luke’s gospel tells us of Simeon (and Anna, who we’ll on Sunday). It’s yet another strong indicator that Luke spent significant time with Mary, getting her perspective on it all.

(Happy third day of Christmas.)

Luke 2:25-35

A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,

“Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.”

His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”

Isaiah 42:6-7

I, the Lord, have called you for a good reason. I will grasp your hand and guard you, and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to lead the prisoners from prison, and those who sit in darkness from the dungeon.

Prayer

God,

Give me the long-lasting faithfulness and patience of someone like Simeon. I have no great aspirations to be famous or well-known. But I do want to be faithful to the end.

So help me, God.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.