"The Contented Man"

 

“The Contented Man”

 

The time of Jesus’ birth was a difficult period for the Jewish people. Their land was occupied by Rome, taxes were burdensome, the priesthood and other leaders were corrupt and many had likely stopped believing that their Messiah would come. But God had always had His faithful remnant (“I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.”—Micah 2:12). And into this spiritual wasteland God brought a man who hadn’t lost hope in God’s promise: Simeon. What we know of him is recorded in Luke 2:25-35.

As faithful followers of God Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple when He was eight days old to be circumcised (Leviticus 12:3). They returned forty days after His birth for Mary’s purification (Leviticus 12:4). It was at this time that God’s Spirit spoke to Simeon, “…who was righteous and devout….” (Luke 2:25), directing him to go to the temple. God had previously revealed to him that he’d see the Messiah before he died (verse 26). When he saw the Infant Jesus he knew God’s promise had been fulfilled. He praised God and said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people….” (verses 29-31). How long he lived afterwards we don’t know, but his mission had been fulfilled and his hope realized.

What can we learn from this faithful servant of God?

*The Holy Spirit leads God’s people to fulfill His purpose for them (“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me….”—Psalm 138:8).

*It’s good and proper to praise God in word and song for sending His Son into the world (“Simeon…praised God….”—Luke 2:28; “…A huge angelic choir {sang}…’Glory to God in the heavenly heights, peace to all men and women on earth who please him’”—Luke 2:14. TM).

*God uses senior saints for which I’m thankful that I haven’t aged out (“Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.”—Genesis 12:4).

*God has a purpose for each of us for as long as He keeps us on earth (“…The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”—2 Timothy 4:6-7).

Simeon died a contented man because he knew he’d seen what God wanted him to see (“…My eyes have seen your salvation….”—Luke 2:30). Have you by faith seen what he saw?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan