DEVOTIONAL
THE REFUGE
Many common working-class men come and go during the time that we live here upon earth. Some of these men will make their mark on human history by building material wealth or some discovery that will advance human technology in vast proportions. Some will even achieve or accomplish with their hands and minds what the brilliant scientist or the most prestigious architect cannot fathom in their intellectual abilities. But here in the pages of holy scripture, we see a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. Not much is recorded about his life. As far as we know, he is just a common man who was being faithful to what the Lord had called him to do. The word of God leaves it a mystery as to who, or what kind of family he was born into. It doesn’t tell us he was a prestigious man with great wealth, nor does it tell us what kind of influence he had within his community. But what we do know is, is that he was a righteous and devout man looking for the Messiah, yielding himself to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is here The Lord recorded his name in the annals of His Spoken word concerning His Son Jesus Christ, as a testimony to all peoples throughout human history.
By The Lord’s sovereign decree, He drew this man to Himself with sweet cords of love. He quickened his heart to eternal truth, a truth so great that even the angels in heaven would marvel at it that before he would die, he would see the Lord’s Messiah. That is, the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the Lord Himself from the very beginning of man’s rebellion, “I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” So in the fullness of the time, while Simeon was faithful to his calling, the child Jesus, Who is God in the flesh, was brought to the temple and was presented to God, then placed into his arms. Then Simeon, filled with joy cried aloud, “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A light of revelation to the gentiles, And the glory of your people.” He was like an old watchman who had come day after day watching for the hope of Israel, looking for the Savior to come, and now he looks forward to his death so he can be with his Lord throughout all eternity.
Dear Christian, much like Simeon, we too are called to be faithful wherever the Lord has placed us. For the promise is to everyone who believes, that is, The Lord Jesus will one day return for his beloved church, His bride whom He died for, and receive them to Himself. The Lord said Himself, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, also believe in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 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 also be.” So then saints of God, make haste to the arena for which God has called you. Serve in that vineyard with all of your heart, labor with all joy, and with all your might, doing the work of Him Who sent you. For like Simeon of old, in the night watch, while you are faithful to your calling, Christ will appear in glory, and you will see the preeminent One arrayed in royal splendor, calling your name, saying, “’Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your Master.” May God give you the strength to do so.
“And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
Luke 2:25 NASBS