A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie...
The word expectation is in the Bible 37 times.
The meaning of expectation is to look forward to what will come.
That day had finally come for one elderly man. His day of expectation had come. He was led by the Spirit to be in the Temple.
Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple to dedicate Him forty days after His birth. As they walked into the Temple suddenly an elderly man came up to them. He took the child Jesus and cradled him in his arms. As he held Him I can imagine the tears of joy rolling down his wrinkled face.
Who was this old man? And why did he take the baby from Mary’s arms? Let’s look and see. There is always a rich nugget that our Father wants us to learn.
His name was Simeon. He was a good man, a lover of God who kept himself pure, and he was a listener of the Spirit. Actually, the meaning of His name is one who listens.
Simeon believed that the Messiah, the Encourager of Israel would soon appear. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah.
At the very moment Mary and Joseph arrived in the temple with Baby Jesus, the Holy Spirit led Simeon to them. Simeon had waited so long for this moment.
As he held the Baby close in his arms he began to speak these words, “Lord, I am your loving servant and I have seen today with my eyes the Savior You have sent to the world to be a Light, and an Encourager to all.”
Mary and Joseph were amazed at what Simeon was saying about their Child. The promise of His coming was revealed that day to Simeon. He was overcome with joy.
The presence of God had returned to the Temple as Baby. The One who would feed thousands, the One who would speak with authority, and the One who was the fulfillment of every commandment.
The One we would love with all our heart, soul, and mind. All He would ask us to do was to love Him and follow Him. That beautiful Lamb of God.
He was revealed to shepherds, wise men, and an elderly listener and lover of God named Simeon. But there is one more that saw Him that day, but that story will have to wait.
With my own eyes I have seen your Word, the Savior You sent into the world. He will be a glory for the people of Israel, and the Revelation-Light for all people everywhere.
Written by Joann Turnbull
Sinners Prayer - link by Lori Garner
Inspiring Music by (youtube)
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