Luke 2:29-32

Simeon, a righteous, upright and devout man, speaks these words over Jesus. This occurs when Jesus was being presented to the Lord – consecrated (set apart, holy call) as the firstborn male according to the law. Jesus states later in Scripture to John the Baptist that He came to “fulfill all righteousness,” this being the case, He fulfilled the law perfectly which would have included being consecrated as a baby. Simeon was waiting for the “consolation” of Israel (vs 25) and the Holy Spirit was upon him (vs 25). The word rendered “consolation” is an interesting word in the Greek. It is “Paraklesis” – which is “the act of exhortation, encouragement and comfort” (New Testament Lexical Aids – Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible). Simeon was waiting for the encouragement and comfort of Israel (which, of course, would be Jesus). Actually, all of Scripture is a “Paraklesis”. Hang with me here - Jesus is called the Word in Scripture: The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-5 (NIV) 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 (NIV)
Do you want to know the encouragement and comfort of Jesus? Know His Word. Jesus came to “flesh” out His Word - flawlessly. We have a unique privilege on this side of the cross, on this time in His – story to have access to the very word of God! We must not take this lightly! Moved by the Spirit, when the parents brought in the child Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God with the above words. Can you even imagine what Mary and Joseph were thinking? Certainly more for Mary to ponder in her heart! Simeon begins by proclaiming the Lord as his Supreme Authority, his Master, and telling those present that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise given to him. God always keeps His promises. I am reminded of the verses in Joshua: 44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Josh 21:44-45 (NIV)
Simeon goes on to say that he can be released or dismissed in peace – a state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being. Yes, Simeon reckoned, all was well. Simeon states that his eyes had seen God’s Salvation prepared for His people – ALL His people (which would include us!). God gave the Gentiles a light to disclose and reveal His Salvation. The word used here for revelation is “a comprehensive word denoting not merely the thing shown and seen but the interpretation, the unveiling of the same” (New Testament Lexical Aids – Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible). Not only does God show us He interprets it for us! How very precious of our God to convey His truth so clearly to His sheep (dumb as we are)! Oh that we would all take heed! Lastly, Christ is the Glory of Israel. Salvation for all mankind came through the Jews. Glory signifies for believers “the exalted status as the objects of divine approbation and blessedness. It is a state in which one is accorded the fullest enjoyment of the admiration and honor of God – the object of His highest regard and praise” (New Testament Lexical Aids – Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible). Now that is Glory indeed!