Monday, December 15, 2014

Patience and Waiting - Simeon Christmas Devotion

 
 
What things do you want that you don't have yet?
What things would you like to do that you haven't done yet?
Where is somewhere you would like to go that you haven't been yet?
 
 
It is always hard to wait on things, but God has a plan for everything and knows perfect timing.
 
What if I need a job but everything I check out is a dead end? What if I am sick with a disease and I am waiting for God to heal me? What if my dream never happens?
 
This isn't a pep rally to motivate you to "never give up on your dream" or a speech about never quitting. The point is that we aren't used to waiting for anything. Today we are going to talk about a guy who never stopped waiting and held on to hope no matter what.
 
This guys name is Simeon and he was totally consumed by the Christmas story. This was the idea that consumed his every thought.
 
His Story:
25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. This man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel,[a] and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die[b] until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[c]
27 Led[d] by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Law, 28 Simeon[e] took the infant[f] in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace
    according to your promise,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you prepared for all people to see—
32 a light that will reveal salvation[g] to unbelievers[h]
    and bring glory to your people Israel.”
33 Jesus’[i] father and mother kept wondering at the things being said about him. 34 Then Simeon[j] blessed them and told Mary, his mother, “This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed.” (Luke 2:25-35)
 
Simeon was well versed in the Old Testament and he knew that a savior was coming. One day while praying it was revealed to him that this promise would be fulfilled in his life time. God promised that Simeon would live long enough to see and touch the very one that was promised. He didn't know what day and he didn't know how old he would be. He just knew that he would see Jesus before he died. As Simeon went about his life, in the back of his mind you know he was wondering how long it would be until his eyes got to see the Light of the world.
 
Even after fasting and praying and still no sign of Jesus, Simeon never game up hope. No one knew who this baby Jesus was but the minute Simeon held the baby in the temple he KNEW. Simeon is a part of the Christmas story that usually falls through the cracks. It is important however because when everyone else gave up hope, Simeon kept hoping. When everyone else quit, Simon refused to give up. Simeon believed that what he was waiting for would be worth the wait and prayers. He knew God made a promise to him and that was enough for him.
 
Some of us are waiting on different things or waiting for God to show up in our lives. When Simeon saw Jesus, he KNEW... do you KNOW?
 
How would your life change is you could live like Simeon and have full trust in what God promises and content with waiting on that, regardless of how long it might take?
 
Quote: A true test of character is: "Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything."
 
Comment or email me with any thoughts or questions. Hope you enjoyed, talk to you soon!
 


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