July 21 The Great Consolation

Luke 2:25-32 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 upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
 
YOU can certainly count Simeon a faithful servant of God, can’t you? God had given to him a wonderful promise: “Simeon, you will see the Savior before you die.” And here comes Jesus. Simeon felt the fullness of God’s great love fulfill his life.
     Jesus is certainly the “great consolation” for each one who turns to him, who sees him with the “eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1:18) to believe and live into what he says. Jesus’ life brought peace to Simeon, who knew God had fulfilled his promise. Certainly Jesus is the one who brings peace to our souls when we know God has fulfilled his promise to deliver a Savior, his Son, to the world.
     Our Consolation, Jesus Christ, is all we truly have to hold onto, isn’t he? Everything else fades and disappears. But God’s promised Savior is here now. He consoles you in your grief. He lovingly offers you the hope of eternal life.
     Are you perhaps still wondering when you will see Jesus? Pray for such a faith as Simeon’s. Call on the Spirit to open your eyes to see the risen Lord. Await his entry into your life. Acknowledge Jesus as your Consolation him when he comes into your presence. Rejoice the Spirit has opened your eyes to show to you the Savior. Eagerly praise God when your Consolation fills your soul.
    
Prayer: Lord, I want to see the Savior come to me with his consoling love. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.