Luke 2:25-32
"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. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 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, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel," Luke 2:25-32.
Last time we looked at Simeon being different from this world. He lived a sanctified life. Simeon was heavenly minded, and not consumed by the things of this world. His life was not an outward show to impress people, no, he continually produced the fruit of someone whom the Lord had saved. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," Galatians 5:16. To "walk in the Spirit" is to live in dependence upon the Spirit. Understanding He is the source of support, comfort, Christian joy and triumph. We cannot live the Christian life in the power or wisdom of our flesh. We are dependent upon the Holy Ghost to empower us to live for Jesus Christ. The Scriptures direct us on how to live for Jesus Christ. If we do not read the directions, then we will be guessing, or we will be taking advice from others on how to live for Jesus Christ. Turn to Romans 12:1-2. The word "renewing" in verse two means a renewing or a renovation which makes a person different than in the past. This renewing causes us to be transformed in our minds and hearts, which causes us not to be conformed to this world. We used to think and act like the world because we were of the world, but since the Lord has saved our souls, we think on heavenly things, and we prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God. This means we examine our lives by the Scriptures and we strive to make our lives acceptable and well-pleasing to God. If we are not daily in the Scriptures, we will be guessing on how God would have us live, or we will take advice from the world. It is great to live confidently according to the Scriptures for the Lord.
It is obvious according to the Scriptures that Simeon was living his life for the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost, Simeon was different from this world. By the correct understanding of the Scriptures, Simeon was delivered from the fear of death. Simeon looked forward to death; he looked forward to dying; and he understood that this would happen on God's timing, God's way. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant to depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," Luke 2:29-30. Simeon said this while looking at the baby, Who is the Saviour for all who believe. Simeon believed God by faith, and is now looking at the One Who was promised to come. God keeps his promises. God has promised heaven to all those who love Him (I John 4:19; James 2:5). God has promised that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39). Our names are written or enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 13:22-23; Revelation 13:8). "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord," II Corinthians 5:8. "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you," Philippians 1:21-23. It was needful for the Philippians that Paul be on this earth so he could continue to instruct them in the ways and the Word of God, but he clearly says it is far better to depart this world and be with Christ. It is better to depart and be with Christ is because there is no sin there. "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness," II Peter 3:13.
The Scriptures teach us in Revelation 21:4-5 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." "True" in this verse means true, i.e. loving truth, veracious and hence worthy of credit. "Faithful" in this verse means trustworthy, true, believable, worthy of credit. Why are these things worthy of credit, trustworthy, and believable? Because of Who said it; God cannot lie. Simeon had a proper, biblical, understanding of Who God is. This enabled Simeon to serve God out of love.
There is some debate on how old Simeon was when this took place at the temple. The Scripture is not clear on his age, but it is crystal clear that he believed God. No matter his age, he was delivered from the fear of death by the promises of God.
Some of you may see death on a regular basis, others only see it at a funeral home, but either way it is a reality. It doesn't matter how old you are, what kind of physical shape your body is in, how much money you have, etc., you are going to die. It doesn't matter how far technology advances, you are going to die.
If the Lord has saved your soul, then you have no reason to fear death, but if the Lord has not saved your soul, then you have every reason to fear death. For the redeemed death places us in heaven with all that heaven is; but for the unredeemed death places you in hell suffering the torments of God immediately and eternally because of your sins.
On the cross Christ paid the sin debt for all who have and will believe. It is through Christ that we receive forgiveness for our sins, and eternal life in heaven; and it is only through Christ. There is no other way. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," John 14:6. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out," John 6:37.
Look unto Jesus Christ and be ye saved. How wonderful it is to know that all your sins have been forgiven in the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We have been delivered from the fear of death.
Please send questions and comments to richardsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com. Soli Deo Gloria.
