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Finding The Messiah
SIMEON
MADE HASTE TO SEE JESUS
By
Gordon Conner
“Mom, what is up with great grandpa? He is all
dressed up and rushing around. Where is he going?”
“I don’t know, he
does seem intent on something.”
“Grandpa, you okay?”
“Yes, yes, I am fine.
I must get to the temple, this is a special day… see you later, I will tell you
all about it.”
Simeon made his way as fast as his old legs
could carry him. His friends called to him along the way, but he had no time
for idle chat today.
God had given him instructions and he was not
going to miss out for anything.
“And he came by the
Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do
for him after the custom of the law,” — Luke 2:27
We are not told if the Lord told him exactly
what to look for.
Was the Messiah already full grown? Should he
look for a man? How would He appear?
As Simeon stood there, eyes searching the
crowds, his gaze fell upon a young couple coming through the courtyard.
The young man had strong arms revealing a
strenuous life of manual labour. He was carrying a small cage containing two
turtle doves.
The young wife at his side held a new baby
closely in her arms.
It was obvious, they were new parents, and
she was coming to complete the days of her purification, bringing an offering
for herself and to present their child to God.
Suddenly Simeon knew! The Spirit prompted
him, nudged him forward.
This was not just any baby, this was the
Promised One of Israel, the long-awaited Messiah.
Simeon moved as quickly as he could to
intercept them.
As he drew near, they smiled, new parents are
like that, they like it when people notice their new baby.
“May I?” A quick look at Joseph, his nod, and
the old man gently picked up the tiny infant.
And then he began to
speak… “Hallelujah, thank you Lord, may God be praised, Lord, we have waited
for so long. Thank you, Lord for fulfilling Your Word to Your people…”
“Then took he him up
in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant
depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the
Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.’ And Joseph and his mother
marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.” — Luke 2:28–33
May we marvel along with Joseph and Mary at
the miracle and wonder of the Saviour’s birth.
And may we like Simeon make haste to spend
time in Christ’s presence. May God bless each of you this Christmas.
GORDON
CONNER
Senior
Pastor, Greater Vancouver Baptist Church
Pastor
Gordon Conner moved to Vancouver in the summer of 1982 to plant what was then
called Bethel Baptist Church. The Lord has graciously allowed him a fruitful
ministry in the heart of this vast, multi-cultural Canadian city. Greater
Vancouver Baptist Church has been able to assist in the planting of five other
churches within a ten mile radius. Pastor Conner has also directed their summer
camp ministry, “Camp YES!” since 1985 and has a weekly radio broadcast
“Standing On The Promises!”
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