Righteousness and Devotion
“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.
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Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”
Today’s Text: Luke 2:25-35 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
A person reading or hearing this episode would not understand what the “consolation of Israel” meant unless he or she had read and understood the Old Testament, especially the prophets. The righteous and devout people of God were eagerly waiting for the promised kingdom of God to arrive.
“‘Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’”
— Daniel 7:27
The righteous and devout also understood that the kingdom of God would come through a King, the Messiah—in Greek, the Christ:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
— Isaiah 9:6-7
The Living Word of God, Jesus Christ, reveals the hearts of many. Righteousness and devotion are not simply a matter of being a good person and faithfully participating in church activities. Righteousness and devotion are byproducts of the eager anticipation of Jesus returning to usher in an eternal kingdom, a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sin, no more death.
The Holy Spirit was on Simeon because he correctly understood the word of God, and so he lived His life in anticipation of the coming of the kingdom of God and His Messiah.
On this Christmas day, let us be reminded that this world is not our home (2 Corinthians 5:1). And let us live our lives in eager anticipation of the coming of Christ.
Father, You are good, and Your goodness knows no bounds. Thank You for sending Your Son to us to let us know that You have not forgotten about us. Thank You for sending us Your Holy Spirit through faith so that we might live our lives in the anticipation of Jesus’s return. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
