Sermon Central
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Looking For The Savior To Appear
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 5, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Simeon lived his life looking for the appearing of the Savior... Are you doing the same?
LOOKING FOR THE SAVIOR TO APPEAR
When Jesus was born many people claimed to be expecting His arrival. But when surveying the scriptures it becomes clear that many people missed Him. While it is certain that many did see Him, many more rejected Him.
The Apostle John said - "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." (John 1:10-11)
Think about that fact, Jesus created the World, but the people of the world did not recognize Him. His own nation despised and rejected Him and the people who should have been the happiest to see Him paid Him no attention at all.
The rejection of Christ began before He was even born, for we are told that when the time came for Mary to deliver her first born Son, there was no room in the inn. After Jesus' birth it will become apparent that Herod was not thrilled with the news of His arrival. For the majority of people in that time, the Birth of Christ was just another day.
Thankfully that was not the case for everyone. The Bible records several positive responses to the birth of Christ. His birth was revealed and celebrated by some faithful shepherds, later on His birth was revealed to certain "wise men". We are also told that the Heavenly Host assembled at His birth and "praised God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:13-14)
Approximately forty days after the Savior was born, Mary & Joseph took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord; there in the Temple was a man named Simeon. Unlike the majority of people in those days, Simeon did not miss the arrival of the Savior. Furthermore he had been anticipating that day for some time. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the arrival of the Messiah. The moment Mary & Joseph entered the Temple, Simeon knew Jesus was the Savior.
How could this man see a month old baby and know that he was in the presence of the "Promised One"? He knew this because it was revealed to him. This is the same way that we are able to know that Jesus is the Savior; we know that He is the Christ because it has been revealed to us.
When Mary & Joseph entered the Tempe Simeon took Jesus into his arms and thanked the Father for sending the Savior to the world and he goes on to proclaim what Jesus would do for Jew & Gentiles alike. He said I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (v30-32)
Though we don't know much about him, Simeon is a man with a wonderful testimony. We know that he lived in Jerusalem, but we are not told if he was married or if he had any children. We do not know if he was rich or poor. We don't even know his exact age. But what we do know about him is very important. Scripture tells us that as he lived and worked, he was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25)
The brief record of Simeon's life serves as an example of how we should live our lives. As followers of Christ we should live in anticipation of His inevitable return. I think there is much that we could learn from this "unsung hero" of the Christmas story named Simeon. I would like to consider his story and preach on the thought "Looking For The Savior To Appear".
- Let us begin by examining:
I. THE PREPARATION OF THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THE SAVIOR TO APPEAR
v25a and, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, v25c …..and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
- Notice some of the words that are used to describe Simeon:
He is called “just” - this means that he is honest and possesses moral character. He is called “devout” , this word literally means "taking hold of what is good. We are also told that “the Holy Ghost was upon him”. Simeon was a devout man who loved the Lord with all His heart, soul, strength and mind.
If we are to be used of God we must be devoted to Jesus Christ. We should spend our lives looking for Him, living for Him and laboring for Him. His promised return should be at the forefront of out minds. Simply put we must be prepared for His arrival. We don't know exactly when He is coming but we know that He will return. The Bible tells us that He will appear "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52)
