Luke 2:25-35 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout… 1. It is saying much for Simeon that he was both a just and a devout man. These two features of Christian character are needful the one to the other. A just man may be rigidly and legally righteous, yet his character may be hard and cold; but a devout man is one of a warmer, gentler spirit, who is not only good, but makes goodness attractive. Simeon's devout spirit adorned his justice, and his just spirit strengthened his devotion. 2. No Christian grace is finer than the grace that waits for the consolation of Israel. Waiting higher than working. The passive virtues of the Christian require and display a greater faith and a profounder humility than the active. To those who wait in faith, submission, and holy living, the consolation of Israel will always come. 3. All Christians may not depart in raptures, but they may at least expect to "depart in peace." Many good people are greatly concerned lest they should not be ready to die. If we are ready to live we may leave dying to the Lord. Simeon's life had been passed in peace with God. In the same peace he was ready to die. 4. The salvation of Christ is no meagre and limited scheme. It is for all peoples. Christ is both "a light to lighten the Gentiles," and "the glory of God's Israel." Before His throne will be gathered at last "a great multitude whom no man can number." "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." But what will satisfy His infinite heart, if the kingdom of Satan at last outnumbers His own? 5. Christ has always been "spoken against," but Christianity lives, and is going on in the world "conquering and to conquer." (E. D. Rogers, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. |
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