Simeon-A Lesson on Aging

Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God Luke 2:28 (CEV)

Simeon was an old man. Verse 25 says he was righteous and devout. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. Most Jews knew the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of the Messiah's blessings to their nation. Simeon believed Isaiah (9:6-7) about a child being born - The Prince of Peace. He also had a very intimate relationship with God. Verse 26 says that God's Spirit came to Simeon and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord. Wow!

If we were to place ourselves in the life and times of Simeon, we wouldn't be too surprised because time has only changed our culture. Just like us, Simeon had been younger. There would have been moments in his life where he would have to choose the way of the world or God's way. Good decisions and bad have a way of teaching us lessons, and he would have been no different. Devout does not happen overnight. It takes time and experience and dedication to the cause. Right decisions become a way of life. As he grew older, the pattern was set and he found himself at a place in life where he really understood the message of the Savior and believed He would come as a child.

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to do what the Law required of them for their newborn baby, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. It was then Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God. He knew who the baby was! He went on to say in verse 29-30 "Lord, I am your servant, and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people."

There are so many lessons we can learn from this passage and Simeon is such a great example to us. We too have a promise that Jesus will return again. As we grow older are we becoming righteous and devout in our faith? Do we know the Word? Are we longing for the day we see Jesus and stand in His presence? Is our relationship so intimate with God that we hear Him speak and He grants us the special desires in our lives?

Simeon's faith was old and genuine. And, as promised, God blessed him with His presence.

I Just Want To Be Where You Are

I just want to be where You are, dwelling daily in Your presence.

I don't want to worship from afar, draw me near to where You are.

I just want to be where You are, in Your dwelling place forever.

Take me to the place where You are, I just want to be with You.

I want to be where You are, dwelling in Your presence.

Feasting at Your table, surrounded by Your glory;

In Your presence, that's where I always want to be.

I just want to be, I just want to be with You. Author Unverified

Heavenly Father, we need your presence in our lives every moment. We long to see you - fill us with your Spirit as we desire to become devout in our faith.

Janet Stutzman