Day 1 – The Consolation of Israel
Good morning! I’m hoping that you will enjoy this series as much as I have writing it. I know I say this a lot but how blessed we are to have God’s words written for us so that we can meet together like this and share in studies such as this one!! Before we go into today’s name for Jesus, let’s read this passage so we can get the whole picture:
Luk 2:25-32 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
What a unique name for Jesus: the Consolation of Israel! The Jews had been persecuted for quite some time and never achieved total peace, even to this day. Israel is certainly not dwelling in peace, both physically and spiritually. They are still awaiting their Messiah. They missed Jesus Christ’s first coming altogether. However, when Christ comes at the end of the Tribulation, all eyes will see Him and will realize who He is.
The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon, however, and Simeon’s words bring such solace to the heart of man if only man chooses to understand. I love the word “consolation” in verse 25. Noah Webster defines it as:
Comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits; a comparative degree of happiness in distress or misfortune, springing from any circumstance that abates the evil, or supports and strengthens the mind, as hope, joy, courage and the like.
Jesus is not only the Consolation of Israel but of all mankind! Notice Simeon’s words in verses 30-32. Simeon reveals that he has finally seen God’s salvation (also referenced in verse 26). He goes on to say that this same salvation was for all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. The Jews had been awaiting their Messiah for hundreds of years. Now Jesus was here to bring them comfort, to alleviate their misery, distress of mind, and refreshment of their mind and spirit!
However, the Jews were looking for a reigning King, not a suffering Messiah. That reigning King is yet to come. But for right now, that suffering Messiah conquered death and rose again! Until His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He provides this beautiful consolation!
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