November 20 | By Faith Simeon Waited For The Messiah

Series | The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Luke 2:26, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.”

Lesson 20 | By Faith Simeon Waited For The Messiah

Simeon was a devoted Jew that lived in Jerusalem who was given a promise from the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die until he saw the promised Messiah.  Luke records that when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be presented before God the Lord spoke to Simeon to go to the temple courts and meet Jesus, Luke 2:27.

As he saw Jesus he took Him into his arms and praised God saying, “29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel,” Luke 2:29-32.  The Bible then records that Marry and Joseph were blown away by this man’s great faith and marveled in the presence of God. 

Lastly, Luke 2:34-35 records, “34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Simeon’s great faith encourages us today to never forget the promises that the Holy Spirit has spoken to our lives.  I can't imagine how it must of felt for Simeon to daily go to the temple and come home without seeing the Messiah.  But nonetheless he remained faithful to God’s promise.  He didn’t give up or turn his back on God just because the promise tarried in coming- he remained true to God’s Word.

The prophet Habakkuk said concerning God’s revelations and promises, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay,” Habakkuk 2:3.  May we all remember the promises that God has spoken to us and never lose faith.  I believe, like with Simeon, God will do all that He said He would do!

Reflection | Do you believe God will do all He promised to do in your life?    

Action | (1) Recall all the promises that God has given you, both personally and through His written Word. (2) Decide today to remain faithful to God’s promises no matter how long they take to come to pass. (3) Lastly, by faith, never stop proclaiming and believing in God’s promises!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm 118:19-29, & Proverbs 28:3-5. Click here to read online.