Pastor Rusty Milton

Luke 2:22-34 ESV

Don't write your afflictions in stone while writing God's faithfulness in water. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw Christ. Simeon was righteous and devout, and he was waiting for the "Consoler" to come as promised. Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul, and that the child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel. When we hear the gospel, we either fall (reject Him), or rise (believe in Him). God does much deeper things in our hearts through trials and griefs than in prosperity. God would not be a good father if he never let us go through challenges. God loves us and always does what's best for us, even when sorrow pierces our hearts.

Consolation comes from Christ alone; Simeon took consolation from seeing the incarnation of  God's son.To console means to alleviate grief. Our hearts outside Christ are inconsolable. What do you do with your griefs and disappointments? We want more and more things to assuage our griefs, but they cannot sustain satisfaction. 

Luke 2:22-34 English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Presented at the Temple

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[a] depart in peace,
    according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed