The story of the birth of Jesus cannot be complete without the mention of Simeon. He was a lone ranger who knew the Lord. He had the virtues many worshipers lack in our present world. Though not a Pharisee, he had the testimony of being a just and devout man. ‘ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him’. (Lk 2:25) It is evident here that Simeon relished in seeking the face of God. He always desired to (be):
Submit himself to God
Inspired by the word of God
Meek
Enduring
Obedient and
Noble
As we look at his life, we are reminded of the necessity to show forth the light of God in us through the victorious virtues of submission, love for the word of God, meekness, endurance, unconditional obedience and nobility.
These scriptures come to mind as we examine these virtues:
James Chapter 4 Verse 7
‘Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you’.
Psalm 119 Verse 104
‘Through thy precepts I get understanding’.
‘Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth’.
2 Timothy Chapter 2 Verse 3
‘Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ’.
Joshua Chapter 1 Verse 8
‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success’.
Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 8
‘Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things’.
Did Simeon apply his heart to the word of God? Oh yes. Did he endure difficult times? Oh yes.
And what was his reward for being just and devoted? ‘And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ’. Of all the men in his generation, God allowed him to live long so he could see the new born Christ. He saw the salvation of God.
If you really want uncommon priviledge and favour from God, you will need to be devoted and walk justly before Him. Simeon by divine direction knew he would not die until he had seen Christ. What about you? What do you know about your future? Are you devoted enough to be filled with the Holy Ghost? Are you walking justly before God to attract His salvation? ‘Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy: break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you’. (Hos. 10:12)
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