The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Simeon was a resident of Jerusalem who was a righteous and devout man. He was looking for the Consolation of Israel. (See Luke 2:25)
The dictionary defines console “to cheer in time of grief, defeat, or trouble; to comfort; to solace.”
Israel needed the Consolation of Messiah…for this country was occupied by Rome and under the religious authority of legalists.
Simeon was looking for God to intervene. And intervene He did. He sent His only begotten Son into the world. Jesus had been born. Simeon didn’t know it yet. “…and the Holy Spirit was upon him (Simeon).” Various translations use the very same wording.
Simeon was not the only person to have been given promises by the Holy Spirit in those days. Zacharias and Elizabeth had also been given that privilege in the past year or two.
How were Simeon, Zacharias and Elizabeth (parents of John the Baptist) similar?
These two men and one woman were devout; they were righteous in the sight of God. (See Luke 1:6 & 1:25)
They devoted their daily choices of words, actions, motives and desires to please God.
Do you?
The Holy Spirit of God revealed the message of God through these three people in a special way: Zacharias had the message of an angel (See Luke 1:11-17); and again at the time of the circumcision of his son (See Luke 1:63-80); Elizabeth at the time of Mary’s visit to her during Elizabeth’s pregnancy (See Luke 1:39-45); then Simeon in the Jerusalem temple (See Luke 2:26).
The Holy Spirit of God gave messages which pointed to Jesus Christ. He does the same today. He always points to God the Son and never at Himself.
Followers of Christ…it is the Son of God Who has taken away your sins through faith in Him. It is the Holy Spirit of God Who has been given to us when we believed Jesus to be our Savior; it is the Holy Spirit Who guides us and is promised to be with us forever, by Jesus Himself!
God the Spirit is the Holy Spirit of truth. (See John 14:16-17)
Who do you know who needs to hear the Good News of sins forgiven and the promised Holy Spirit through faith in Christ Jesus, the Consolation of Israel?