City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

    according to your word;

³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation

³¹     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and for glory to your people Israel.”
³³ And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed ³⁵ (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

-Luke 2:25-35 (ESV)

²³ The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

-Psalms 37:23 (AMP)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses describe Simeon’s encounter with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. It’s so encouraging to see how God divinely led Simeon exactly to Jesus at just the right time. Simeon’s divine appointment is a beautiful display of God’s faithfulness and artful ability to lead His faithful followers.

What is interesting to note is Simeon first got an inward revelation by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he would see the Lord’s Christ (verse 26). Then, Simeon came to the temple “in the Spirit” exactly when Mary and Joseph brought in Jesus (verse 27). 

This gives us a clue as to how God leads His people. First, He reveals inwardly. Then, He guides our steps, so we see His promises play out in reality. Isn’t that encouraging? Simeon was not just living any kind of life. Verse 25 tells us “this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”

In devoting his life to Christ, Simeon actually got to hold Christ in his arms and deliver a message of blessing and prophecy over Jesus, along with Mary and Joseph. This message caused Mary and Joseph to marvel, and I believe it also equipped Mary for the road ahead. 

To Mary, Simeon specifically said “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35 ESV). 

Mary must have pondered those words for the rest of her life even through the crucifixion of Christ. What an amazing assignment she submitted to–nurturing Christ and raising Him and then to see Him pierced on the cross. I’m sure any mother can’t stand the thought of losing her child, but God was gracious to prepare Mary for the road ahead by giving her this prophecy and message of blessing, purpose, and meaning.  

The intentionality of God illustrated in these verses fosters hope, patience, and perseverance. These verses imply that the Holy Spirit was intricately involved in Simeon’s life, and He led Simeon step-by-step to the fulfillment of his destiny and God’s plan for his life. They show us that God is involved. He is Emmanuel–He is with us.

Application

Have you ever been antsy regarding your life, thought that God was taking too long, or that God has forgotten you? I’m sure that’s the narrative the enemy would have us believe, but the truth is the longer than normal waiting we experience in living for God is an opportunity for our patience to be perfected and for God’s plans to be fulfilled. 

Can you honestly say you are intentionally living for God? If yes, then be encouraged and get excited that God is intentionally planning your next step and will divinely place you in the right place at the right time, just like He did for Simeon! 

If the answer is no, and thank you for being honest here, this is your opportunity to turn to Him right now. Don’t miss this moment! God is worth whatever you may have to walk away from in order to follow Him. Make a firm decision to live for Christ, and don’t look back! God wants to be actively involved in your life and lead you to fulfill His purpose.

Prayer

Father God, I thank You for leading me along the path You have intricately designed for my life. Even in the times I thought I missed it, You were right there to guide me and welcome me back into Your loving embrace. Father, I want to devote my life to You and see Your plans and purposes fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, amen.