Paying Attention

09.19.14

Luke 2.26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. – St. Luke (ESV)

Sometimes, it just depends on what you’re looking for. The person referred to above was an older man named Simeon. Simeon saw how bad things had become for his people and his nation Israel: Roman occupation, an Edomite for a king, and a bureaucratic government afar making everyone’s life miserable. Not to mention the Religious Right, Hellenism, and civil unrest. Simeon had just about given up.

But he persistently sought God, asking for hope. And the Hope he was asking for was the promised One – the Messiah. Simeon knew things were bad, but he kept looking to God for a sign that maybe things were going to get better.

So, one day, at the Temple where he hung out, Simeon saw a young couple with a baby. And maybe, we don’t know for sure, but maybe the Spirit of God nudged him and quietly said: Simeon! Pay attention to this little family! And in his fatherly way, Simeon went over to bless the man and his wife, and the baby they held. Maybe this was the One! And it was!

And Simeon rejoiced at what he saw and Who it was he held – the Lord’s Christ! Thank You God for answered prayer! You haven’t forgotten Israel!

For what are you praying? Luke said Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel in her bitter loneliness. For what do you need to be consoled? I need some consolation for some things that are way beyond my control and above my head. How about you? As we said recently, God hears our prayer long before it’s even a thought in our mind. From ages past He’s known how much we need consolation and a Savior.

Well, old St. Simeon said this:

“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:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

    and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2.29-32 NIV)

Sounds like a happy man.

What is it we’re looking for? How hard are we looking? How long have we looked? I think the life of the saint is a life of longing and looking; but it is also a life of surprise endings…for the one who is paying attention...

Father, thank You for helping old Simeon. Thank You for helping Your people today. Thank You for answering my prayers and for giving me consolation in the midst of this madness I call life. Amen.