December 12 – Simeon’s Dedication
21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).
Simeon’s Prophetic Praise
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:21-35
Simeon’s Dedication (December 12 Devotional)
I grew up in a Christian family and in an awesome church. My grandparents met at a tent revival, where my grandfather was playing the saxophone. I have an amazing Godly heritage.
As a result, I have had the honor of knowing some incredible older men and women. Prayer warriors who were filled with the Holy Spirit. Whose memory inspires me to stay faithful and strong in the Lord through decades of life.
Simeon, Filled with the Holy Spirit
Simeon was that kind of godly man. He was faithfully devoted to God. He and God were tight.
The Holy Spirit gave Simeon a promise. Simeon has longed for the coming of the long-awaited One – the Messiah – for decades. He is holding on to that promise, that the Messiah is coming and that Simeon will see him before he dies.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:26
God keeps His promises
God always keeps His promises. And, He keeps His promise to Simeon. However, Simeon also has to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in order to receive the fulfillment of his promise.
Simeon followed the leading of the Holy Spirit to go to the temple. When he arrives there, Joseph and Mary are bringing Jesus to the temple as the law states. Simeon is so in tune with the Holy Spirit that he immediately recognizes this Baby as the One for whom He has been longing and waiting.
Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:28-32
Simeon’s Dedication
Simeon’s dedication to God and to the following the voice of the Holy Spirit gives him a great gift. He got to hold the Son of God in his arms. He got to bless Joseph and Mary and prophesy about Jesus.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35
Faithful Service to a Faithful God
Simeon lived his life in faithful service to God, and God was faithful to him in return. God keeps His promises. He did not fail Simeon.
We are not told how long Simeon had the promise from God. He may have held onto that promise for decades. He did not give up or doubt God; instead, he followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and received what God promised him.
December 12 Devotional Action Step:
I want to be like Simeon. Faithful, consistent, righteous, devout for all the days of my life. I don’t want to give up on the promises of God, but hold on until I see their fulfillment.
Today, think of someone who is an example to you of faithfulness. Reach out and let them know how much they inspire you through their consistent devotion to God. Then, purpose to live each day so that you can leave a legacy of faithfulness.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to stay faithful when I am discouraged or doubting. Remind me of Your promises and help me to trust you for their fulfillment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Access to the other posts in this series and the free printables for this December can be found at the Series Overview page. Come join me as I pursue the peace and joy on the Savior’s birth throughout the month of December!