Coming Soon - Pt. 7

 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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 custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant5 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 glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. (Luke 2:25-33 ESV).

 

As we come to the end of the little series in the Imminent return of Christ, it is important to think about what we should be doing in these last days. The easy answer is “ministry.” And that would be partially correct; however, it is just as important that we think about it more personally, internally. Ministry is an external act. It does affect us internally, but indirectly. More directly affecting us is how we view the “waiting” for Jesus’ return.

 

Our niece and her husband had their first child this week. It has been a long-awaited birth. However, Isla (pronounced eye-lah) made her entrance on Monday. All is well with mother and daughter. We are all very thankful for her birth and excitedly look forward to her growth. I’m sure there were many other people who woke up today wondering if this would be the day their child would be born. Some of them have been waiting for many months longer than the gestation period.

 

Waiting is difficult whether we are anticipating good things or fear the possibility of bad things. There are some who are facing health issues that are difficult to navigate. They woke up today wondering what the treatment would be like, or if it would bring healing. Our reading today tells us of another waiting. Simeon woke up every day with a promise from God that someday he would see the Lord’s anointed. Imagine waking with that expectant hope every morning, but then going to bed every night a little disappointed—for weeks, months, and possibly years.

 

One day, though, the Holy Spirit told Simeon that the long wait was over. Simeon went to the temple courts, eyes wide open for a glimpse of the Messiah! No wonder he praised God when he saw the baby! What thoughts did you have as you awoke this morning? Did you remember that we are all waiting as well? We wait for the Second Coming of Christ. Waiting can be hard. But it’s some of the best work we’ll ever be called to do. Wait with expectation and hope. Wait with the surety that God always keeps His promises. He is coming… and soon!