New King James Version (NKJV)

This story brings me to tears.

Here's this man, Simeon, who at some point in his life had heard from the Holy Spirit, that He would not die before he had seen the Messiah.

I guess it's the faith of this man that moves me the most.

I mean, we know now that at the end of his life he saw baby Jesus.

But let's say he was 30 when he got this promise from the Holy Spirit and he was maybe 80 or 90 when he finally laid eyes on baby Jesus. This could have meant this man kept believing for maybe 50 years he would see the Messaiah before he would leave this world.

Can you imagine?

I came to know Jesus about 5 years ago. You better believe I have unanswered prayers, promises that have yet come to pass. And I'm having a hard time believing I will ever see them come to pass or answered!

But this guy, Simeon.. wow.

Suppose he was your neighbor. And you saw him leave his house, every day, going to the temple..cause today could be the day..

How long before you would say to him, Si, buddy..give it a rest. You've waited so many years. Let it go. Nobody would blame you. It's a great day, have some fun, you've earned it!

But see, Simeon KNEW he had heard from God. And he KNEW that God keeps His promises.

So when this day finally arrived, he was ready and recognized a baby he had never seen before in his life. I think that's amazing. It makes me cry and laugh at the same time!

Why did it take so long for God to answer his prayer? I don't know.

But I DO know that in order for Simeon to see the promise fulfilled, a lot of other things had to happen first. Among others, a young girl, with an equally strong faith like Simeon. Prepared to take whatever shame, pain and rejection would come her way.

Another woman, old and barren, she would give birth to the waymaker John the Baptist.

Now Simeon could finally die. With the Son of God in his arms, a Child that would change the world forever, I can hear him say:

Glory, glory and more glory to God!

To me, this is Simeon's song 😉🙏