Luke 2:25-30
"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," Luke 2:25-30.
Joseph and Mary have done what the law required them to do concerning all things relating to the birth of the first born son. While they were in the temple, a man named Simeon came to them. We can call this a Divine appointment. God is providentially working in the lives of Joseph, Mary, and Simeon. "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps," Proverbs 16:9. I don't know if Simeon lived in Jerusalem, or if he was simply there as providentially directed by God. Either way, he was in Jerusalem. His location is important, but what is more important is the testimony of God concerning Simeon. Luke 2:25 tells us, "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." God says Simeon was "just". In the eyes of God, Simeon's character and conduct towards others was right. Simeon did that which was right. Simeon did right according to the Scriptures. He lived like this because He was devout. Devout in this verse means he was God fearing, pious, devout. "This combination makes up a complete character, "just" towards man, "devout" towards God. There are many who think they are just, but their justness does not extend to their fellow-creatures, and they forget the claims of the Most High upon them. On the other hand, I have known men who have pretended to a vast amount of devotion, but who have never been just. Such persons are hypocrites, as the others are robbers of God; but he who is just and devout, just towards man and devout towards God, hath the character of a true man. Such was Simeon, "just and devout,". C. H. Spurgeon.
Simeon was different from the world in which he lived. The world in which Simeon lived was a dog eat dog world. The love of money was driving people to live ruthless lives. Even the religious system of that day was driven by wealth. People viewed each other as a means to an end. The world system is driven by the god of this world who is satan. The world system is a system of idolatry; worshipping self. How can I get pleasure from the things and people of this world, instead of, how can I please God while in this world? The things of this world system are sinful, and they are also perishing. True joy is only found in worshipping God. Turn to I John 2:15-17. Simeon's heart was fixed on things above, not on this earth. A result from this is that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel.
The word "waiting" in this verse speaks of things future; to wait for; to expect. "Consolation" in this verse is the Messiah as the author of spiritual aid and consolation. Simeon's mind was fixed on the promises of God. Can you imagine trying to speak with Simeon about a sporting event or a hunting experience? We speak from the abundance of our hearts.
Something else that made Simeon different from the world is that the Holy Ghost was upon him. The Holy Ghost empowers us to live just and devout lives for the glory of God. This is not just in the church house, but in every day activities. There are those who completely distort Who the Holy Ghost is and what He does in our lives, but we cannot let them rob us of Who the Biblical Holy Ghost is. All Christians need the Holy Ghost actively working in our lives, every day. He makes us different from this world. The lost world does not have the Holy Ghost. They are actually dead in trespasses and sins, and are children of the devil (Ephesians 2:1-2). That is why they act like they do, and that is why we acted like we did before the Lord saved our souls. Those who are lost love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. When they see us living for Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost, they think we are weird.
"And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ," Luke 2:26. "Was revealed" is simply revealed by the Holy Spirit. The bible does not tell us how it was revealed, simply that it was revealed by the Holy Ghost. A promise was given to him that he would not die until he saw the Lord's Christ. Simeon lived looking for the Christ, not death. How much less was his stress? Turn to Mathew 6:24-34. There is so much that we worry about that never comes to pass. All this takes our focus off of Christ and shows that we are not trusting Him. Often we try to take matters into our own hands. We say, but what if there is trouble in our lives? Don't worry "if" there will be trouble, because there will be trouble in our lives. We are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God. This does not refer to numerical order, but is a lifestyle. Our day of death is already appointed (Hebrews 9:27).
What God had appointed for Simeon, came to pass on God's timing, God's way (Luke 2:27-30). Multitudes try to appear super spiritual by claiming God has spoken to them, or given them a sign or special revelation. Compare their lives with the lives of Simeon, Anna, Joseph, Mary, Elisabeth, and Zacharia. These were just and devout; righteous in the eyes of God, and their lives showed it. We can compare the false teachers etc. to Simeon, and quickly find fault, but let us examine ourselves with Simeon. He was strong in the faith, and it was evident that the Holy Ghost was upon him. The life he was living was evidence that the Lord had saved his soul.
Simeon loved God, His Word, and out of love for God obeyed God's Word. He cannot do this by his own power, nor can we. God has given us what we need to live for Him. He has given us His Scriptures, and His Holy Spirit. How many Christians are trying the impossible; trying to live for Jesus Christ without the power of the Holy Ghost?
Dear Christian, do you truly want to be different than this world? We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and God has given us the Scriptures. Let us look at some of them. Turn to Ephesians 5:10-20; 4:17-5:9; Colossians 3:18-25; and II Corinthians 5:1-14. "Constraineth" means to constrain, to compel. We want to live a life that is well pleasing to Christ because of His love towards us. Why live for Christ, why give up our lives for Him; because His love for us compels us (Romans 5:8). Christ saves sinners while we are yet in our sins. He saves and He transforms us. We should be different from this world.
Soli Deo Gloria.
