Word@Worl Luke29 - Luke 2:25-27a
Published: Mon, 02/01/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
MOVED BY THE SPIRIT
Luke 2:25-27a Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. (NIV)
When Jesus was born, it was a non-event to most Jews. That is why the shepherds needed angelic instructions, and wise men were given a star to find the Saviour. But not everybody was spiritually asleep. Simeon was on watch to see the Saviour come. His heart was zealous to keep the law but instead of the hard-heartedness developed by many religious people, Simeon had a soft heart which expected God to take the lead. He was listening for what the Holy Spirit would say.
The relationship between Simeon and the Holy Spirit is worth noting. A person, who accepts the privilege of the Spirit's presence, can wait in quiet confidence while eager in expectation. Simeon did not know when he would see the Lord, but he was confident that he would, before he died; the Spirit had settled that truth in his mind. The actual meeting was also arranged by the Holy Spirit, who gave Simeon the idea of going to a particular part of the temple at just the right time to recognise and meet the special family.
Of course, Simeon's encounter was unique, and God appointed. As we shall see, his prophetic affirmation of the ministry of Christ would help to sustain Joseph, and encourage Mary, even in her darkest days (see Luke 2:33-35). But these verses discount any idea of accidental encounter or coincidence of timing. The Holy Spirit sustained Simeon in waiting for the Messiah, set up the rendezvous and energised Him to meet the appointment.
In different ways, although still bringing glory to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is active today. He speaks through His Word, and communicates clearly to the people He has brought to new life. Without His convicting, we cannot come to repentance; without His enlivening, we cannot be born again; without His stirring in our hearts we cannot desire to be holy; without His action we cannot be sanctified. Wise Christians will not presume 100% holiness and therefore spiritualise every personal impulse as being from the Sprit, but neither will they quench the Spirit by ignoring His wisdom and guidance. Unlike the special anointing of the Holy Spirit on the Old Testament prophets (and Simeon was one of the last), the Spirit is now with all those who have received Christ Jesus as Lord. Let us therefore welcome His presence refilling us, and walk in step with Him at work each day (see Gal 5:25). He wants to use you, if you are ready to be involved.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for using people like Simeon, empowered by Your Spirit, to speak Your truth into people's lives. Please also equip me to be useful to You, and give me fresh desire to welcome You into every area of my life. Help me in the workplace today, to work well and to stand up for what is true; so that I may worship You wherever I work, and work for You wherever I worship. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
When Jesus was born, it was a non-event to most Jews. That is why the shepherds needed angelic instructions, and wise men were given a star to find the Saviour. But not everybody was spiritually asleep. Simeon was on watch to see the Saviour come. His heart was zealous to keep the law but instead of the hard-heartedness developed by many religious people, Simeon had a soft heart which expected God to take the lead. He was listening for what the Holy Spirit would say.
The relationship between Simeon and the Holy Spirit is worth noting. A person, who accepts the privilege of the Spirit's presence, can wait in quiet confidence while eager in expectation. Simeon did not know when he would see the Lord, but he was confident that he would, before he died; the Spirit had settled that truth in his mind. The actual meeting was also arranged by the Holy Spirit, who gave Simeon the idea of going to a particular part of the temple at just the right time to recognise and meet the special family.
Of course, Simeon's encounter was unique, and God appointed. As we shall see, his prophetic affirmation of the ministry of Christ would help to sustain Joseph, and encourage Mary, even in her darkest days (see Luke 2:33-35). But these verses discount any idea of accidental encounter or coincidence of timing. The Holy Spirit sustained Simeon in waiting for the Messiah, set up the rendezvous and energised Him to meet the appointment.
In different ways, although still bringing glory to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is active today. He speaks through His Word, and communicates clearly to the people He has brought to new life. Without His convicting, we cannot come to repentance; without His enlivening, we cannot be born again; without His stirring in our hearts we cannot desire to be holy; without His action we cannot be sanctified. Wise Christians will not presume 100% holiness and therefore spiritualise every personal impulse as being from the Sprit, but neither will they quench the Spirit by ignoring His wisdom and guidance. Unlike the special anointing of the Holy Spirit on the Old Testament prophets (and Simeon was one of the last), the Spirit is now with all those who have received Christ Jesus as Lord. Let us therefore welcome His presence refilling us, and walk in step with Him at work each day (see Gal 5:25). He wants to use you, if you are ready to be involved.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for using people like Simeon, empowered by Your Spirit, to speak Your truth into people's lives. Please also equip me to be useful to You, and give me fresh desire to welcome You into every area of my life. Help me in the workplace today, to work well and to stand up for what is true; so that I may worship You wherever I work, and work for You wherever I worship. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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