Monday 03 February 2020
- Bible Book:
- Luke
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. (v. 25)
Psalm: Psalm 24
Background
Simeon and his female counterpart Anna (vs. 36-38) are among my favourite gospel characters because I have met and worked with people just like them and they shine with the grace of the kingdom of God.
Back in 2002, when we began to develop Tubestation, the surf church project in Polzeath, Cornwall, the two most elderly members at the small chapel were Edgar and Wendy. They had a passion for God and the church’s mission in the area and had stood out against plans to sell the chapel site.
They encouraged, prayed and spoke up for a project that was uncertain and much criticised by some. In the same way that Simeon and Anna spoke God’s word to Mary and Joseph, we heard clear declarations of faith from Edgar and Wendy.
They ‘saw’ the reality before anything concrete developed. Eventually we were blessed to see their prophetic support realised and, 18 years later, Tubestation is flourishing.
What speaks loudest in this passage is Simeon’s rock-solid confidence that God will come through on the promises that Simeon has lived by. Just the sight of the infant Jesus was enough for him to acclaim God as faithful. Simeon had ‘seen’ God’s salvation before this moment came to pass and it was enough for him.
To Ponder:
- What can you ‘see’ with the eyes of faith that has not yet come to pass?
- How can the Church have confidence to risk speaking out for God before things work out?