“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.“
Luke 2:25-26
–
DECEMBER 24, 2024
When we read the Old Testament, we find the word fulfillment a lot. Promises fulfilled, sacrifices fulfilled, tasks fulfilled, judgments fulfilled, vows fulfilled, prophecies and dreams fulfilled. Here, the word fulfillment means “it happened.” The thing that needed to be done was done.
Similarly, in the New Testament, fulfillment is typically used as a connection between past and present: this is happening to fulfill what God said would happen. It’s a word that connects a past hope or promise to the now event.
What do we notice in our text today about the word fulfillment? Look closely at Simeon. Simeon was waiting for fulfillment, but not the kind of fulfillment most of us chase after. He wasn’t waiting for more money or more power or better health or a happier life. He was waiting for the kind of fulfillment God promised. He was waiting for the rescue and redemption of Israel.
Our dog, Aspen, is a black and white Australian Shepherd who is deeply loyal to my husband. Sometimes after Matt leaves the house, she tricks me by pretending she has to go to the bathroom. Once I put her on leash and take her outside, she parks herself on the grass and waits for Matt to come home. There’s no moving her! The other day I stood outside with her in the pouring rain while she scanned the surrounding area just waiting for Matt. She will not stop looking for him and will not rest until he is safely home.
Likewise, Simeon had his eyes permanently fixed on God, waiting for Him without giving up, fully trusting that God’s fulfillment of His promise would happen. We see in the text that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon, leading him, speaking to him, guiding him. Because Simeon had such a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit empowered his waiting, his words, his lifestyle, his perspective, and his joy.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How is the Holy Spirit at work in your heart?
- How has the Spirit rewired your perspectives, desires, motives, how you wait and how you live your life?
- What things in life do you want right now more than God?
Church Reading Plan: Zechariah 11; John 14