December 22, 2022
Luke 2:25-35 (HCSB)
Simeon’s Prophetic Praise
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: 29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed — 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon’s Prophetic Praise
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: 29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel. 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed — 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Doug Carver
Chaplain (Major General), US Army, Retired - Executive Director of Chaplaincy - North American Mission Board
The poor Iraqi woman wept uncontrollably as I prayed for ways to comfort her. Separated by our language and cultural barriers, I looked desperately to my interpreter for assistance. Finally, the emotionally distraught woman spoke, “Please thank America for coming to help us. I prayed for years for God to send His angels to rescue us from evil, and you’ve come, you’ve come!" People of faith have one thing in common: the Holy Spirit gifts them the ability to wait for God to fulfill every biblical promise. They “see” His Word in faith, believe it, and embrace it with confidence, perseverance, and hope (Hebrews 11:13). Simeon, a holy and dedicated man of God, had spent his entire life anticipating one specific promise from God-that he would personally see the “the consolation of Israel” before the end of his earthly life. After years of patiently waiting in hope, Simeon looked into the face of the baby Jesus and saw God’s promised Messiah, the Savior and light of the world. Lord help us to wait, even if Your promises take a lifetime, for You are Faithful and True.
Chaplain (Major General), US Army, Retired - Executive Director of Chaplaincy - North American Mission Board
The poor Iraqi woman wept uncontrollably as I prayed for ways to comfort her. Separated by our language and cultural barriers, I looked desperately to my interpreter for assistance. Finally, the emotionally distraught woman spoke, “Please thank America for coming to help us. I prayed for years for God to send His angels to rescue us from evil, and you’ve come, you’ve come!" People of faith have one thing in common: the Holy Spirit gifts them the ability to wait for God to fulfill every biblical promise. They “see” His Word in faith, believe it, and embrace it with confidence, perseverance, and hope (Hebrews 11:13). Simeon, a holy and dedicated man of God, had spent his entire life anticipating one specific promise from God-that he would personally see the “the consolation of Israel” before the end of his earthly life. After years of patiently waiting in hope, Simeon looked into the face of the baby Jesus and saw God’s promised Messiah, the Savior and light of the world. Lord help us to wait, even if Your promises take a lifetime, for You are Faithful and True.
Recent
Archive
2026
January
January 1, 2025January 2, 2025Questions for the WeekJanuary 3, 2026Sunday Connect Lesson for January 4, 2025January 4, 2026January 5, 2026JANUARY 6, 2025January 6, 2026January 7, 2026January 8, 2026January 9, 2026Sunday Connect Lesson for January 11, 2026January 12, 2026January 13, 2026January 14, 2026January 15, 2026January 16, 2026Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for January 18, 2026January 19, 2026January 20, 2026January 21, 2026January 22, 2026January 23, 2026QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEKSunday Connect Lesson for January 25, 2026January 26, 2026January 27, 2026January 28, 2026January 29, 2026January 30, 2026Questions for the Week
2025
January
January 1, 2025A Note From Pastor HDJanuary 2, 2025January 3, 2025January 4, 2025Sunday Connect Lesson for January 5, 2025January 6, 2025January 7, 2025January 8, 2025January 9, 2025January 10, 2025Questions for the WeekJanuary 12, 2025January 13, 2025January 14, 2025January 15, 2025January 16, 2025January 17, 2025Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for January 19, 2025January 20, 2025January 21, 2025January 22, 2025January 23, 2025January 24, 2025Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for January 26January 27, 2025January 28, 2025January 29, 2025January 30, 2025January 31, 2025
February
Questions for the WeekConnect Lesson for Sunday, February 2February 3, 2025February 4, 2025February 5, 2025February 6, 2025February 7, 2025Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for February 9, 2025February 10, 2025February 11, 2025February 12, 2025February 13, 2025February 14, 2025Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for February 16, 2025February 17, 2025February 18, 2025February 19, 2025February 20, 2025February 21, 2025Questions for the WeekSunday Connect Lesson for February 23, 2025February 24, 2025February 25, 2025February 26, 2025February 27, 2025February 28, 2025
No Comments