Issue 1323 – At the Temple – Part 2 – December 16, 2023

Yesterday, we introduced you to some significant events and  players that form part of the advent narrative but typically get passed over because they took place after the epic nativity story.

Jesus, as an infant, accompanied His mother to the temple to partake in the Jewish purification ritual, following the Torah’s instructions. There, they encountered Simeon, an older man who had received a promise from the Holy Spirit that he would see the Christ before his passing.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:26-32

Simeon eagerly awaited the Lord’s salvation, finally encountering it in the form of a baby—the very incarnation of God.

Long before Jesus’ birth, Simeon placed his faith in the promised Messiah from God. There’s a misconception that pre-Jesus, salvation for Jews relied on keeping the Law. In reality, like everyone else, they were saved by faith.

Jesus was the only one who could uphold the Law perfectly. If salvation depended on keeping the Law, no one could be saved. The Law exists to reveal our shortcomings and direct us to the Messiah.

Simeon’s devotion to God was so profound that the Holy Spirit rested upon him, bringing an incredible promise: “He would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

We don’t know when Simeon was given the word or how old he was, but since the church’s earliest days, it has been believed that Simeon was an older man and had been waiting faithfully for many years.

His earthly life revolved around preparing for and waiting for the coming of Christ. 

We’re called to live expectantly, filled with grace and gratitude, anticipating the Lord’s return. As believers, we have the mantle of Christ’s righteousness imputed to us by faith and a calling to pick up our cross, follow Him and do as He commands. Of course, we cannot do it fully, but it should be our heart’s desire.

Most of us will likely pass before meeting the Lord face-to-face (though His return could be sooner than expected). 

Is your heart full of anticipation to meet the “Lord’s Christ”? We have a certain level of expectation during the Advent season, although I suspect that for most of us, it doesn’t approach that of the anticipation in Simeon’s heart.

We will continue to dig into the account further on Monday and in the days ahead.

In the interim, may your heart’s desire motivate you towards righteousness and devoutness as you await the coming of your Lord and King. May you deeply know the Lord’s Christ.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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