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.
There is no other “faith/religion” on this earth that began with such fervor and still goes on today! Over 2,000 years ago, the world was introduced to Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah. What religion is there when first instituted, that its disciples willingly died for preaching the message? None! Anyone who accepted this faith in Christ received a new heart: a heart without sin because Jesus paid the penalty for that sin. The new believer has been given a new slate, wiped clean by the sacrificial blood of the Messiah. This same Messiah gives peace to all who believe on His Name and they no longer have to wonder where they will spend eternity. Is it any wonder that Jesus’ Apostles and disciples died for this belief?
Jesus Christ desires to teach us about Himself through the living word, the Bible. That is why Jesus is also called the Word of God. He is God’s spoken words to a lost world. This is not the only name describing Christ. One of the names given to you today is the unique name: the Consolation of Israel! Why was this name chosen to describe the Lord Jesus? Let’s find out!
The Jews had suffered persecution and never achieved total peace, even to this day. Today is proof that Israel is 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 just who He is.
In today’s passage, we see that the Holy Spirit revealed something to Simeon. However, Simeon’s words bring such solace to the heart of man if only man chooses to understand. I absolutely love the word “consolation” in verse 25. Noah Webster has a wonderful definition for it:
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 Luke 2:30-32. Simeon reveals that he has finally seen God’s salvation (also referenced in Luke 2:26). 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 for their conquering 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! This was quite different from their expectations of a conquering Messiah! The Jews were looking for a reigning King, not a suffering Messiah. That reigning King will come at the end of the Tribulation period, known as the time of Jacob’s trouble. (Jeremiah 30:7)
But for right now, that suffering Messiah conquered death and rose again! Until His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16), Jesus provides this beautiful consolation! Have you received that consolation? Do you have that peace and assurance that you will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ? If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!
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