Luke 2:25-32 tells the story of Simeon, a man who had received a promise from God that he would see the Messiah before he passed away. Simeon lived his whole life waiting for God to fulfill this promise, and he can teach us something about patience and perseverance. Scripture says Simeon was “righteous and devout . . . and the Holy Spirit was on him.” So much so, that he was moved by the Spirit to visit the temple courts, and it was in the temple courts where God’s promise came to fruition. He met Mary and Joseph and held Jesus in His arms. In that moment, waiting a lifetime for God’s promise was worth it.
Imagine the overwhelming experience of holding the physical representation of God’s faithfulness in your arms. Luke recorded that Simeon took Jesus in his arms “and praised God.” We don’t know if Simeon cried or danced, but if you put yourself in his shoes, your response would probably be like his. No other reaction would be as appropriate as praise!
Don’t lose heart if you’ve been holding on to a promise from God for what seems like forever. He is faithful, and His timing is perfect. Whether your promise is fulfilled in a matter of weeks or after a lifetime of trust, the outcome is worth the wait.
Prayer: Father, I praise You because You are faithful! I know that You are trustworthy and Your promises to me are true. I will not give up believing in Your promises, and I wait in anticipation for the day I see them fulfilled. I know Your timing is perfect. I will remain faithful to You as I wait, and I praise You in advance for the fulfillment of Your promises!
Luke 2:25-32
At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
2 Peter 3:8-9
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.