During the month of December and into January, I have been reminded
of the priest Simeon and the promise God made to him. If we look at Luke 2:25 – 32, we see the
promise that was made to Simeon. In
verse 26, the Bible states, “And it has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would net see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” What an amazing promise!
I mean, honestly, I don’t imagine that Simeon would have
dreamed of such a promise, but he took it and believed it. He didn’t dismiss it. He did not forget it. He allowed the promise to remain in his
heart. What a precious promise to
receive, that he would see the Christ before he would die. If he had shared the promise, I am sure he
would have been chided. “Why would God
choose to show you this?” “Are you sure
it is not something you just want so badly, so you think God gave you that
promise?” Simeon was a devout man, which
means that he was sold out, all in for God.
When God or the Holy Spirit said something to him, he obeyed.
So when verse 27 talks about him being prompted to go to the
temple, it is no surprise that he obeyed.
It is such a blessing when we obey!
His obedience was deeply rewarded and God kept His mighty promise as we
can see in verse 28 that he picked up Jesus and blessed God knowing that this
child was the fulfillment of the promise God has made to him.
I want to encourage you that when God promises you
something, you can trust that He will accomplish it! He is not a carrot dangling God. What He says, He will do. I have an image on my cell phone cover that I
simply love! Ron DiCianni captured the
moment that Simeon held the baby Jesus so perfectly. I almost get emotional when I see it. Such a powerful moment!
- He promises to return!
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
- He promises to forgive our sins. Ephesians 1:7-8 “In Him we have redemption
through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His
grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence…”
- He promises that you will find Him when you search for Him
with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 “And
you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
- He promises to answer fervent prayer. James 5:16b “The effective, fervent prayer of
a righteous man avails much.”
- He promises that you can be transformed. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
God will keep His promises to you! He is trustworthy! Will you trust Him?
Blessings,
Dawn McBride
