FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 30); BP: Lk. 2:21-40; RBTTY: Rev. 21; Zech.

Happy 2008 to all.  God Bless 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 29 Dec 2007 11:58:28 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 30); BP: Lk. 2:21-40; RBTTY: Rev. 21; Zech.
 
December 30                                                                                                     "On Waiting In Hope"  
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon. And, the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel—and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ."
                                                                                                                                             Luke 2:25-26
      When God plants a desire within our hearts, it’s not a matter of "if" it’ll come to pass, it’s a matter of "when."
     Simeon, whose name means "God hears," was evidently an elderly man, who was "just and devout." This tells us about his character, while the words "waiting for the consolation of Israel" tell us of his hope.
 
     The Greek word "paraklesis" is used here for "consolation" and also means "solace, comfort, to call near, invoke, etc." Thus, it’s clear he was a consecrated man, who longed for the arrival of the Messiah or the Christ. His mind was steeped in Jewish theology and prophecy and it’s likely not a single day went by without his praying, "Lord, could today be the day?"
 
     Day after day he studied the Law, psalms and the prophets. He poured over the Messianic prophecies, trying to discern what this "Promised/Anointed One from God" would be like and when He’d come.
 
     One day gave way to another. One week soon turned into another and another and another. Months became years and years became decades. And, maybe, just maybe, he was about to lose hope. Like Zecharias, who’d prayed for so long for a child, but pretty much resigned himself to the fact that he and Elizabeth were too old (Lk. 1:7, 13, 18), it’s quite possible that Simeon had begun to give up on ever seeing the One sent from God.
 
      Then God sneaked up on him. Perhaps he was studying the Word and praying when "the Holy Ghost came upon him." Or, perhaps he was lying in bed during the wee hours of the morning. Or, perhaps he was taking a walk when the Spirit spoke.
But, then "it" happened.
 
      "Today’s the Day," the Voice whispered.
      "Today’s the Day you’ve waited for all of your life," He said. "Go now into the Temple and you’ll see your ‘desire’s Delight’."
 
     So, up to the Temple he went. How surprised he likely was when the Spirit directed his attention to a young couple with a tiny baby and the Lord said, "He’s the One!" (v.27). How touching the scene must have been as he took the Child in his arms and blessed Him. Even though Mary wouldn’t understand his prophecy (v.35) until some 33 ½ years later, Simeon was faithful to deliver it. No wonder he could say, "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word—for my eyes have seen Your salvation" (vv.29-30). Hallelujah!!
p