Jesus Presented in the temple
LUKE 2:22-33
LUKE 2:22-33
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon. Tradition says Simeon was one hundred and thirteen years old, he was righteous (just) and devout. The word “just” means; dependable; The word “devout” means devotional. What a combination! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be said of us that we are dependable with people and devotional towards God?
He took the Savior into His arms and he embraced Him and he loved Him. However, it’s not enough to just embrace the Savior we have to receive Him into our hearts as Lord and Christ. Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise that God had given to him. It’s not enough to look at the promise and admire it…Simeon had to receive God’s promise into his heart. The promise is Jesus Christ as Lord. Adding to that, he would not see death until he saw the Messiah, the Christ; and that’s the power of the Gospel is Jesus said I've come that you may have life more abundantly life now and life for ever!
Because God is not willing that any man should perish but that everyone should have everlasting life, He wants us to receive and know Christ in our hearts and lives right now. And that everlasting life begins when you receive Jesus Christ. Death is eminent for us all…but Simeon wouldn’t die until he had seen his Savior. That’s what God wants for each of us….that we can accept Christ as Savior so that we can live. Death has been conquered, Christ has freed us. That’s the message that Jesus is telling us.
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 and he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the customs of the law he took him in his arms and blessed God and said, “ Lord now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory to your people Israel" and Joseph and Mary marveled at what was said about Him.
Luke 2:26 - 33
”Simeon came in the Spirit into the temple”…The Spirit of God led him into the temple, into the presence of Jesus Christ.
1. The Holy Spirit has to reveal Jesus to our hearts and we need to receive him both as Lord and Christ.
2. As, Lord and Savior, will I submit my life to him and surrender my will to him? It seems that the Holy Spirit is always calling me back to a relationship with the Lord Christ in my life, to my first love, and to a compassionate heart overflowing with love. A love that is sacrificial in giving Him my all, in love, and in total commitment to Him and Him alone!
3. The Holy Spirit led him into the presence of His Savior. And that’s where God wants to bring every believer…into the presence of our Savior. God enthroned in glory wants to be taken up in our arms and hearts to be worshipped, to be blessed and to be served. He wants you to look at Jesus as the promise of God in your life. Not just to admire and look upon in amazement but to receive all that He is and all that He has done for each one of us. The fullness of God for the emptiness of our lives!
4. Peace and joy to fill our lives, with hope and anticipation as we behold the Salvation of the Lord, a gift of Love that God gives to each one of us throughout the year…in praise, in worship, in gratitude and be thankful in heart for who Jesus Christ is, both Lord and Christ!
5. God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen his Salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is a promise to all that would believe and receive him that is the gospel to every one that is lost and needs a savior
This Thanksgiving and throughout the year let’s look for someone that is needing a Savior and tell them the good news. I'm so thankful and filled with gratitude for all God's blessings, how about you!
This is what worship is all about, being led by the Spirit into the presence of God. Being caught up with His greatness! This Thanksgiving my deepest desire is for you to be in the presence of God. I know you have family members and friends but how important it is for us to be in His glorious presence to know our sins are freed from our hearts and lives, to be unfettered and unchained so that true love and joy flows from His gracious hand into each and every heart.
God bless you this Thanksgiving and may you always rejoice for His gracious gift! And remember, it’s not what you’re giving thanks for; it’s who you’re giving thanks to!
Blessings,
Pastor Russell A. Duley
