At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him… Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God—Luke 2:25, 27-28 GNT
Today’s verses are often read a lot during the Christmas season, and I have marvelled at these verses in a way I couldn’t really explain. However, reading this chapter again recently, I noticed something: Simeon was described as good, God-fearing and most importantly, the Holy Spirit was with him—Wow!
The Holy Spirit was with Simeon even before He began to reside in believers, which was only possible after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people for a specific purpose and departed once that purpose was accomplished. However, in Simeon’s case, the Holy Spirit was with him and led him to the Temple when baby Jesus was about to be dedicated.
Both Simeon and Anna (the widow and prophet) were very sensitive to the leading of the Spirit of God. That sensitivity led them to recognise Jesus, the Messiah, even though He was still a baby.
That makes me ask: How sensitive am I to the Holy Spirit’s leading? How sensitive are you to the Lord’s leading?
Our surroundings can’t be an excuse for why we aren’t sensitive or able to follow or hear God? Simeon and Anna knew what the prophets said about the Messiah, who would deliver Israel, and they were alert to this promise. They heard from God and were led by the Holy Spirit in an era of widespread corruption in Israel. This was a time when no one in particular was hearing from God or acting as God’s spokesperson. They chose to dedicate themselves to God, and God showed Himself to them.
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)
In this day and age, God is still talking to us and has willingly reached out to us through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Most of all, God has given us His Word—the Holy Bible, so we have no excuse for not knowing or understanding the will of God.
Simeon’s alertness and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit led him to witness the fulfilment of the promises not only for Israel but for the whole world. Likewise, if we are willing to be led by the Spirit, opportunities will open to us to help, witness and lead others to Christ. And may also lead to breakthroughs in other areas of our lives.
So are you alert and willing to be led by the Holy Spirit?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 