Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Waiting upon the Lord - Song Of Simeon 

Luke 2:22-35
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
 

Waiting upon the Lord is one of the hardest aspects of a Christian journey. We have all struggled with our relationship with God as we restlessly wait upon him.  I have often wondered, where is God in the silence and darkness of my struggles? Is he really there? I've realized that in the waiting is where my relationship with God has evolved. As Christians we must realize that there is an inner transformation as we trust in the Lord. The art of waiting upon the Lord is not to do nothing but trusting and praying and living the life that you were called to live. It is through this time that God’s presence is best experienced.
 
Luke 2:25-26 tells us that Simeon was a devout and righteous person who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would meet the Messiah. We must ask ourselves, how much faith and devotion did Simeon invest to have the Holy Spirit reveal this to him. I could only imagine in his old age how much faith he would have had, to patiently wait with complete trust in God's promise, waking up day after day, hoping to meet the Messiah who would provide the salvation that he and his people have been seeking. Regardless of when the Holy Spirit revealed this to him, Simeon’s devout faith through the tough times was noticed by God. He was given this unique opportunity at an old age to hold Jesus the savior, in his arms before he departed.
 
29 “Lord, now let me die in peace, as You have said. 30 My eyes have seen the One Who will save men from the punishment of their sins. 31 You have made Him ready in the sight of all nations. 32 He will be a light to shine on the people who are not Jews. He will be the shining-greatness of Your people the Jews.”
 
When I first held my daughters in my arms after nine long months of waiting and preparation, I wanted to share with the world the joy of God's blessings in my life. I wanted to tell my family and friends the joy I had in my heart. The song of Simeon in verse 29-32 is a song of praise to God for the answers to his questions he has been seeking all his life. He was given the opportunity to hold the Messiah in his arms and proclaim the consolation of the world.  He has seen the Lord's saving grace to all mankind.
 
As we approach the Lenten season a minor character like Simeon teaches us that the Lord's consolation for our struggles and fears is Jesus. Trials and tribulations can be very intimidating. We must have God's promises in the forefront and trust that God is walking with us and will definitely deliver us. Let us work on waiting upon him. Waiting upon the Lord isn't futile. The Song of Simeon’s is proof that the Lord will provide for us as we wait upon him.

 
PRAYER 
Father, allow us to patiently and faithfully wait upon you as Simeon did. Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Amen (Roman 12:2)
 
Jibu Abraham, Long Island MTC

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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