God’s Promise Fulfilled
The Christmas season brings countless reminders of God’s faithfulness. From prophecies spoken centuries before, to the humble birth of Jesus, we see the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. In Luke 2, we meet Simeon, a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the consolation of Israel. Simeons name literally means “God has heard.” What an incredible promise! So, lets meet Simeon.
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.
Luke 2: 25-26
Patience
As the months and years went by, Simeon’s faith was not deterred. His hope was not in circumstances or in man’s calendar but in a faithful God. It had been 400 years since God had spoken to His people through a prophet. Simeon’s story is one of incredible faith, as he waited and watched with great hope for God to fulfill His promise made long ago to His people Israel, and to him personally.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him, It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26
Waiting is something we are not naturally good at practicing. In the age of Amazon Prime deliveries, we have grown inpatient when anything takes longer than we desire, including God. Impatience usually comes from selfishness and pride. Waiting is trusting God for what he will do in the future. Waiting is a ministry of the Holy Spirit, which allows us to wait well.
Prepared
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.
Luke 2: 27-28a
Simeon was prepared to see Jesus. He trusted God’s promise to him. He was devoted to God and ready to respond to the Spirit’s leading to enter the temple courts just as Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be consecrated to the Lord, as the Law required. Imagine the scene—this elderly man, having waited his whole life for the fulfillment of God’s promise, finally laying eyes on the infant Jesus. At that moment, Simeon, led by the Spirit, took the infant Jesus into his arms and praised God. His words, known as the Nunc Dimittis (Latin for "Now you dismiss"), resound with prophetic significance:
Praise
“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations:
Luke 2:29-31. NIV
I find Simeon’s praise to God absolutely incredible. He referred to Jesus as God’s, “salvation,” (which is the Hebrew translation of Yeshua) which He had, “prepared in the sight of all people.” What did Simeon mean when he said God had prepared His salvation? Simeon announced that God had long been preparing His people for the arrival of His Son and the salvation He would bring.
This road had been prepared all through the old testament. The great flood demonstrated God’s wrath towards sin and those who remain in it. The covenant with Abraham demonstrated God’s desire for His people to rest in Him and trust Him for all their needs. The giving of the law to Moses showed God’s righteousness, and man’s unrighteousness. The Tabernacle taught the people that God requires a blood sacrifice for sin. God took every measure necessary to prepare the world for the arrival of His Son, Jesus – the Lamb of God who would bring salvation to everyone who would believe. And yet, Jesus wasn’t recognized as the promised Messiah…until His parents took Him to the Temple where God had prepared one man’s heart to proclaim the glory of His Son.
Promise
“...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2: 32
In Simeon’s words of praise, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise not only to Israel but to the whole world. Paul reminds us of this in Ephesians 2, that there no longer is a divide between the Jew and the Gentile. In that moment, Simeon’s heart was full of peace, knowing that God’s promise had been fulfilled—not just for him but for all of humanity. This child, Jesus, was the light that would bring salvation to the world, to both Jews and Gentiles alike. Simeon’s praise wasn’t just about personal fulfillment; it was a prophetic declaration of God’s redemptive plan for the ages."
The story of Simeon reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect. Simeon waited for years, living in hope, trusting that God would fulfill His promise. And when he finally saw Jesus, he praised God, recognizing that salvation had come.
Prayer
As you prepare your hearts this Christmas season spend some time reflecting and praying:
In what areas of waiting on the Lord have you been struggling? Where do you need more patience?
In the busyness of the season, how are you daily quiet times with Him? Are you preparing your heart to see Him work and move in your life?
Are there praises that you can give to the Father for His faithfulness to you? Speak those out loud to Him and let your heart be filled with hope for the future.
Pray God’s promises over your life, the lives of family members and friends.
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Luke 2: 32-25
The Application for Us Today
Simeon’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and perfect timing. As we reflect on his patience, preparation, and praise, we are invited to live with the same expectancy and trust in God’s promises. Simeon waited with hope, and when the promise was fulfilled, his heart overflowed with gratitude and prophetic praise. This Christmas season, may we also prepare our hearts to recognize Jesus, the light of the world and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Let us wait patiently, seek Him daily, and boldly proclaim His faithfulness in our lives. May the story of Simeon inspire you to trust in God’s promises, celebrate His salvation, and share His light with others
