In Luke 2:25-35 is the story of a “just and pious man” named Simeon who came to the Temple in Jerusalem when Yeshua’s family came to fulfill the requirements of Torah regarding Miriam’s cleansing and the offerings for the firstborn.
Simeon was patiently (as far as we can tell from what little we see in this passage) WAITING FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL. This phrase was (is) a common way of referring to the promised Messiah.
Scripture states that “the Ruach ha-Kodesh was on” Simeon. I could launch into a sermon about the presence and work of the Ruach ha-Kodesh prior to “Pentecost,” but I will just emphasize the point that Simeon apparently was not your run-of-the-mill religious man. He clearly had a relationship with YHVH, and he had heard a specific message.
Luke 2:26 reads, “It had been revealed to him by the Ruach ha-Kodesh that he would not die before he saw the Anointed One of YHVH.”
Simeon trusted what he had heard from the Ruach, and he was waiting with expectation. His faith and his relationship with YHVH caused him to KNOW that he would see Messiah.
This passage tells us that Simeon came to the Temple that day because the Ruach told him to. And when he saw Yeshua, he knew without a doubt that the promised Messiah was the baby Miriam was holding in her arms. He proceeded to offer a blessing on the Child and also a blessing on Yosef and Miriam.
Simeon waited – with faith and expectation – and he was attuned to the voice of YHVH by His Ruach ha-Kodesh. He trusted Yah, and he saw the fulfillment of His promise.
May we pursue this kind of relationship with YHVH; to be filled with His Ruach; to hear His voice; to be obedient to His instructions; and to wait for his timing. We will see His promises fulfilled.
Ed Boring
BYNA Elder
