Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon

During the darkest time in Israel’s history, when the Pharisees and Sadducees have perverted and corrupted the faith, when a foreign power that knows not God rules over the people, and when most care very little about the things of God, God still has a believing people, He still has Godly men like Simeon. We must always remember this. Even in the darkest times, God preserves a people who love and serve Him. Small as we may think we are, alone as we may feel in a world of unbelief, the true Church will never die. Grace can abound in the most unlikely places. There are more Simeons in the world than we think.

Simeon has no fear of death. He talks like one on a journey who can’t wait till he is allowed to go home. How is it that he has no fear of death? He has a strong faith. He knows that heaven is better than earth. He’s not just worn out with pain and sickness or bored with the world and what it offers, he believes with all his heart that to die is to be with the Lord, and this is better than anything else.

Simeon has an amazingly clear understanding of Christ’s work. He sees that Christ is going to bring light to the Gentiles – open up for them the way of salvation. He understands the great honour the Jewish people have in Christ being born as a Jew He knows that many will turn against Christ, reject Him, hate Him, and attack Him. The true hearts and motivations of those who pretend to love God will be revealed. But he also sees that many who are tired of their sin, longing for a Saviour, hungry for a relationship with God will be satisfied.

Questions
1. Why wasn’t Simeon scared to die?
2. Does God ever desert His people?
3. What does Simeon understand about Jesus?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for Christians being persecuted in other countries.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.