Title: Those Waiting for the Messiah
Contents
Those who wait for the Messiah (Luke 2:25-33)
In the bible we read today, an old man named Simeon who eagerly waited for the Messiah appeared. This Simeon was a man filled with the Holy Spirit, and he heard these words from the Holy Spirit. “You will not die before you see Christ.” Then, how should we, like Simeon, receive the grace of meeting the Messiah and Savior?
First, like Simeon, we must live a righteous and godly life.
Verse 25 says, “Simeon was a righteous and devout man who awaited the consolation of Israel.” For the coming Messiah, Simeon kept the law diligently. He also faithfully treated people with the heart of God. I lived so that I could welcome the Lord whenever He came. Therefore, Simeon, who was waiting for God's comfort, lived a righteous and godly life. The characteristic of a righteous and godly person is that they obey God's Word in order to establish a right relationship with God, and do not live unrighteously in this harsh and sinful world, but live righteously and humbly. That is, Simeon lived a righteous and godly life, holding fast to the word of God and waiting for the Messiah. I hope that you too will live like Simeon, who lived righteously and reverently while waiting for the Messiah by keeping the incision of faith.
Second, we must live under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
In verse 25 and below, the word Holy Spirit appears three times in relation to Simeon. In verse 25, “the Holy Spirit was upon him”. Verse 26, “I was instructed by the Holy Spirit”. In verse 27 it is written, “He entered the temple by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” This word, called the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is the word of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we look at this, we know that Simeon was a man who lived entirely by the Holy Spirit. Also, Simeon is the Messiah. In other words, you will not die until you see Christ.” Then, you will be moved by the Holy Spirit to enter the temple and receive the blessing of holding the baby Jesus in your arms. I hope that you too, obey the movings of the Holy Spirit every day, wait in faith, and receive the blessing of meeting Jesus.
Third, our spiritual eyes must be opened.
Verse 29 reads, “Lord, Lord!” called. “Lord!” Rather than saying “Master!” The word has a stronger meaning. The meaning of ‘despotes’, the ‘lordship’, is a word that expresses ‘absolute ownership and unparalleled power’ and is an expression that acknowledges God’s absolute sovereignty. In other words, it is possible to know the fact that Simeon is a man of godly faith who acknowledged the absolute sovereignty of God with just one word. Simeon didn't look like a simple baby. This baby is confessing that God has prepared it for all people. His spiritual eyes were open and he foresaw that this baby would be a light to the Gentiles in the future. Not only that, but he also saw this child to be the glory of your people Israel. In a nutshell, it is the fact that our spiritual eyes were opened to see that this baby Jesus was the Messiah and the Christ. I hope that you too will open your spiritual eyes and look to the coming Messiah.
How eagerly are you waiting for Jesus before Christmas? See if you're trying to welcome Christmas without waiting. Do not wait for vain things, but wait for the eternal comfort of Jesus. May you live a righteous and godly life. Therefore, I pray in the name of the Lord that you will become blessed saints who embrace the baby Jesus who comes to us through Christmas with your spiritual eyes opened by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.