DESIRE TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY

SCRIPTURE:

 “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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25—32)

OBSERVATION:

            Simeon is described here as righteous and devout.  He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.  The word consolation means “comfort.”  Like many in Israel, Simeon was waiting for the Lord’s Messiah.  He is the comforter of whom is to come.  While many waited for the Lord’s Messiah, many in Israel missed the arrival of the consolation of Israel.  People were seeking him as they should.  The fact that Luke wrote that Simeon was a “righteous and devout” person says it all.  Many Israel were not living as they should.

            Simeon was not just waiting to kill time.  He was waiting expectantly and continued to go to the temple, where he finally met the consolation of Israel.  God answered Simeon in a way that was so powerful.  Waiting for God is not something that we do to kill time.  While Simeon was waiting for God’s timing, He was looking forward with great anticipation and expectation that what he was waiting for will come.  He was waiting in faith.  He did not just sit around to kill time, but he frequented the temple courts where he finally saw God’s answer for his wait. 

            Moreover, Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was also on him.  He was guided by the Holy Spirit and was intentional about his desire to see the Lord’s Messiah.  This new year I am reminded to be intentional about my walk with Jesus. I am reminded of these qualities of Intentional Spiritual growth.

• Like Simeon, I must commit to a “righteous and devout” spiritual walk with Jesus.
• Like Simeon, I must allow the Holy Spirit to be on and in me.
• Like Simeon, I must be led by the Holy Spirit.
• Like Simeon, I must take hold of God’s promise of the Messiah.
• Like Simeon, I must be patient with God’s timing of his promises in my life.
• Like Simeon, I must be content with God’s answer to his promise.

APPLICATION:

            This year, I pray that I will do all that Simeon did as he waited for Israel’s consolation.  I desire much of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.  I will continue to make myself available to the Holy Spirit to work in me on things that need to be worked on.  I am open and willing to walk with Jesus and see his purpose fulfilled this year.  I commit afresh 2023 to His leading. 

PRAYER:

            Holy Spirit, I ask that you lead me and guide me to see the purpose of Jesus fulfilled in my life.  I ask that you give me wisdom, patience, courage, and faith to move with you as you lead, and wait for you in the moments I should.  I ask that you guide me to be faithful and expectant of what the Father wants me to do in 2023.  I look to you for your leadership in every area of my life.  Teach me, correct me, rebuke me, guide me and help me live a fruitful and productive life serving you, my family, and your church this year.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!