OC Bereans

” … and when the parents brought in the child Jesus … he (Simeon) took Him into his arms, and blessed God …”  (Luke 2:27-28)

In the busy-ness and crush of our culture, are we really looking to embrace Jesus this Christmas season?

Simeon’s embrace of the infant Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:25-35) instructs us how to look for Jesus. He literally took hold of Jesus into the curve of his bent arm in order to “receive” or “grant access” to Jesus [δέχομαι] into his life. (v. 28)

Looking more closely at Simeon, we learn seven aspects of his embrace:

1. Simeon is described as “righteous” … meaning that his thoughts, feelings and actions were wholly conformed to God’s will. (v. 25)

2. Simeon was “devout” … meaning he was actively taking hold of good … he was “acting well.” (v. 25)

3.  Simeon was “looking” for the Messiah … meaning with the “expectation of fulfillment” (v. 25) … what a wonderful description of faith!

4. Simeon was paying careful attention to what God “revealed” to him as one would who had been warned. (v. 26)

5. Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit, Who is mentioned three times in this text (vv. 25-27). How much more can we be guided by the Holy Spirit who resides within us … something Simeon did not experience.

6. Simeon’s immediate response to holding the infant Jesus in his arms was to “bless God” … meaning to celebrate with praises the God who fulfilled His promises.

7. Simeon’s worship and praise of God, followed by his instructions to Mary and Joseph, were all in accordance with God’s Word (v. 29) as he freely spoke truth to them (vv. 30-35).

As we look for and then embrace Jesus this Christmas, let’s follow Simeon’s example!

Shalom!

~ tr