So, Christmas came and passed for this year. I hope that all of you, as I realize all of the blessings that Christ brought. We must not forget that Christmas is not about the presents and the gifts, it is about the One Gift God gave to the world. The Light of the World came that we might have Salvation. Christ, fulfilled the Law and then took upon Himself the Sins of the World. He was the Messiah for whom the prophet Isaiah had prophesied and for whom the entire Old Testament pointed toward–the Savior of the World. He did not come to destroy the Law; but fulfill it as only Perfect Righteousness could. It was during the time that Mary and Joseph went to the temple to fulfill the laws given by Moses to present Him (Christ) to the Lord and sacrifice a pair of turtle doves, that Simeon comes in.
Drawing used by permission ©2010 Ronald Barba
Note, Simeon was lead by the Holy Spirit. He listened and humbly followed the commands of the Spirit. He spoke praise to God for having fulfilled a promise God had made to him that before He die, He would be allowed to see Christ. We do not know how long Simeon had waited, nor how tired or aged he became while awaiting that promise; but we do know Simeon listened to the Holy Spirit and waited until the day the Spirit lead Him. Read Luke’s account.
Luke 2:25 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.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
There was no pride about this man. He knew that Christ would have to die. He foretold to Mary that she would have a sword pierce her very soul (as she so did while she watched Christ on the cross). Simeon knew that this would be necessary both for the Salvation to be extended to the Gentiles and for the ultimate fulfillment to bring Glory one day to the Israel Nation. The thoughts of many hearts would be revealed. Which hearts were filled with pride and self righteousness and which hearts in humble faith would follow Christ. No doubt, Simeon had read the scrolls of Isaiah or had them revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 42:
5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
So, the questions for you are:
1. Are you Being lead by the Holy Spirit?
2. No matter how long it takes or how dark the path may appear at times, are you trusting and waiting in the promises of God?
3. Have you come before Him with a humble heart desiring His will for your life? or are you in pride holding onto your own self-exalting, self righteous, selfish desires falsely believing you deserve great gifts from God? In humbleness come before Him and receive the greatest gift of all–Salvation.
©2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used by written permission Ronald Barba ©2010 Ronald Barba Any reproduction without permission is subject to copyright laws. Copies can be purchased at http://fineartamerica.com/featured/broken-and-contrite-heart-ronald-barba.html
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