Listen

When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law.

Luke 2:22-27

Think

Is there something in your life you’ve been waiting for, maybe for years? Something like making a certain team, performing on a special stage, or getting a longed-for pet? Some dreams we carry so long they become like a well-polished stone, tucked in our pocket and shiny from holding. Simeon had a dream like that: an old man with big hopes, he believed God had promised that he wouldn’t die until he met the Messiah. Imagine the anticipation he feels this day, led by the Spirit into the temple. Would this be the time? Would this be the child? Simeon isn’t sure. But he never stopped looking for signs of the newborn baby who would come to show God’s love to the world. If you have a dream that you think comes from God, that’s led by the Spirit, a dream that’s bigger than just your own achievements, then keep showing up. Keep doing your part. And watch how God will deliver.

Cari Pattison

Question to ponder:

What are the hardest things to wait for? What do you think was so special to Simeon about meeting Jesus up close?

Pray

Dear God, is there something you want to show me?

A dream you have for my life?

Some way I might meet Christ in the ordinary days in which I dwell?

Lead me to look for you, God, and show me what’s worth waiting for.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Go

Today, pay attention to the little signs of Christ’s saving work in your life.