Thursday Thought – September 3, 2015

Good Morning Friends,

Simeon was an old man who was anxiously waiting for the Messiah. He had been promised by God that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Here’s what Luke says Simeon was waiting for: “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” (Luke 2:25)

He was waiting for comfort. That’s what the word “consolation” means. In fact, one of the more common titles given to the Messiah by the Jews of Simeon’s day was Comforter.

When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus into the Temple at just eight days old, Simeon immediately knew who He was. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God because what he had been waiting on had finally come. In Jesus, Simeon found real and lasting comfort.

2,000 years later, Jesus is still bringing comfort to those who recognize Him and embrace Him. He’s brought God’s comfort to you and me. It’s one of the most significant gifts of God and it’s found only in Jesus!

Anna was an old woman who was also anxiously waiting for the Messiah. She was waiting for something different from Simeon. When she saw Jesus, she immediately recognized Him, too. She “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Anna was one of the few in Jerusalem who were looking forward to redemption and waiting for the Messiah to bring it. “Redemption” is a word that means release and Anna was waiting for the release from sin that the Messiah would bring her. She was waiting for forgiveness.

When Anna saw the baby Jesus, she knew that He was the One bringing what she had been waiting so long to receive. In Jesus, Anna saw the forgiveness she longed for.

2,000 years later, Jesus is still bringing forgiveness to those who recognize Him and receive Him. He’s brought God’s forgiveness to you and me. It’s one of the most significant gifts of God and it’s found only in Jesus!

Thank God for the gifts you’ve received from Him through Jesus – for His comfort, His forgiveness, and all the other gifts He has provided for you through Jesus.

His, by Grace, Steve