719. LUK 2:26-30. GOOD OLD SIMEON
Luk_2:26-30. Good Old Simeon
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man whs just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ."’97Luk_2:26-30.
There are two or three scenes most beautiful and interesting in nature’97
The setting sun, going down in a clear sky, in all his magnificence and glory. He then appears larger; and the whole horizon is lit up with his declining beams, and setting grandeur.
The field ripe for the sickle. The golden waving corn, with its teeming abundance, inviting the active hand of the reaper.
The ship in full sail, within sight of her destined port. The sea crossed, the toils and perils of the voyage over, and friends on shore, ready to hail the crew and passengers to their native shores.
In the death of the aged Christian, all these interesting features are beautifully exhibited. As a moral sun: he now sets on earth, to arise and shine in the sphere of glory. As a shock of corn: he is ripe and ready for the garner of eternal life. As a gallant vessel: he has neared the shores of immortality, and an abundant entrance is about to be ministered into the haven of celestial blessedness.
Such was the character and circumstances of good old Simeon, as exhibited in the text. Let us consider,
His religious character.
His distinguished privileges; and,
His spiritual rapture.
I. His religious character.
Here observe,
1. His evangelical faith.
"Waiting for the consolation of Israel," that is, for the Messiah’97the Saviour. He believed in the Prophecies’97Promises’97Types, &c., relating to the Messiah. It excited his desires and hopes, and influenced his character. "He waited."
2. He was righteous in life.
"Just." A man of integrity and uprightness. No religion without this. "Do ye unto others," &c. Thus before God and with men he was unblamable.
3. He was of a devout spirit.
A man of religious emotion’97of worship and prayer.
These three are ever essential to true saving piety. Here is right principle’97upright conduct’97and spiritual emotion.
Observe,
II. His distinguished privileges.
1. His supernatural gift.
"The Holy Ghost was upon him." As formerly on the prophets. It had ceased for nearly 400 years, but was now specially imparted to Simeon.
2. His express revelation.
It was revealed that before he saw death, he should see the Saviour’97Jehovah’s Christ; the anointed’97the Lord.
3. His delightful interview.
The period had now arrived. Simeon was led by the Spirit into the temple, &c. Then the holy child, Jesus, was brought in. Oh, think of the place, and the meeting! and how God brought it about!
4. His reception of Jesus.
"Saw him." "Took him in his arms," &c. Thus faith and love receive Christ. It is not Christ in the manger, or on the cross, or in heaven; but in the arms of faith and love, that can save us, and make us happy. This leads us, then,
III. To his holy rapture. Observe the particulars of it:
1. Gratitude to God.
"Blessed God." Godly joy is ever grateful joy. His soul rose in holy exultation to the fountain of his privileges and blessings.
2. His desired severance from the world. "Lord, now lettest," &c. All the ends of life he felt to be accomplished. World’s attraction gone. Often persons wish to live for this and that end. The warrior’97the statesman’97the philosopher’97the merchant’97the parent. How imbecile, in general, these desires!
3. His hallowed desires for glory.
He longed now for the rest, and the bliss, of a better world. He had attained,
4. The consummation of all his hopes.
"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," &c. Abraham saw Christ’s day afar off.’97Jacob died waiting for it.’97David singing of it.’97Good old Simeon realized it. Observe in Simeon’s history,’97
1. How lovely piety is in old age.
2. What a blissful conclusion of life.
3. What a meetness for eternity.
4. What a model for imitation.
Seek the anointing of the Spirit.’97Hold fast the Saviour by faith and love.’97And be found ever waiting and hoping for the eternal state.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS