Today’s Devotion
Topic: A Significant Period
Text: Luke 2:25-26
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Amen
The time between a promise and its fulfilment is the waiting period — a special period during which the seed of the promise takes form and manifests for the benefit of the promisee. More often than not, this waiting period is characterised by a lot of anxiety and unrest. Doubt and discouragement easily set in too when the period of waiting seems to be “too long” per the promisee’s estimation.
In today’s Scripture reference, Simeon, an old prophet of God, had been informed by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Even though this promise had taken sometime in being fulfilled, he kept waiting for it. A few things are worth noting about his attitude during the waiting period:
1) He was righteous and devout: He was in good standing with the Lord his God. He remained in his faith with God as one who was loyal and devoted in God’s service. He did not turn aside to seek other gods or mediums.
2) He lived in expectancy: He eagerly awaited the fulfilment of the promise God had made to him. He did not give in to doubt; rather he trusted God — the promisor — to deliver on His promise.
3) He was continually led by God’s Holy Spirit: He was in constant fellowship with God; so much so that he could hear God’s voice on what to do and what not to. In verse 27, we are told that on the fateful day that Jesus was to be presented in the temple, Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to be at the temple in the very same hour.
Beloved, begin to pray. As we wrap up one year and make way for another, it is in our own interests to be in constant communion with our Father in Heaven. Whatever promise He has made or will ever make to us will surely be fulfilled. Our duty is to have the right attitude whiles waiting on Him as Simeon had, and leave Him to do what He’s best at — keeping promises.
After all, “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19). Moreover, “those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31)
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