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.
    Do believe God’s promise to send Jesus to save the lost: Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Jesus is certainly the “great consolation” for each one 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. Assuredly, Jesus is the one who brings peace to your eternal life when you know God has fulfilled his promise to deliver a “Savior, who has been born to you.” (Luke 2:11)
    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 assures you in your questions. He fulfills you as you live more purposefully for him. He blesses you in your obedience. He consoles you in your grief. He promises you the certainty of eternal life.
    Are you perhaps still wondering when you will see Jesus come into your life? Pray for such a faith as Simeon’s. Call on the Spirit to open your eyes to see the risen Lord. Expect his entry into your life. Acknowledge Jesus as your Consolation. Rejoice the Spirit has opened your eyes to show to you the Savior. Eagerly praise God when your Consolation transforms your life.
   
Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the Lord Jesus. Thank you, Father, for fulfilling your promise to send our great Consolation. Amen.