Message for December 21, 2019 from Pastor Jerry

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devote, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Luke 2:25 (NKJV)

     This is the only place in Scripture that talks about Simeon.  Evidently he was not part of the religious members that ruled in the Temple.  Two things are outstanding about him. He was a devout spiritual man and he had the Holy Spirit.  Predominately, all or most of the religious people of the day knew nothing of the Holy Spirit. If so they would have recognized the Messiah just like Simeon did.

     You can know the Word in Greek, English, or any other language but it takes the Holy Spirit to rightly understand and believe.  Jesus’ parents brought Him to the temple as was the custom but they got more than they expected. Simeon was there as the very voice of God to speak to them and prophecy over them.

     An appointed position is not as important as a devout heart when it comes to the things of God in this life.  The best way to receive direction from God is to learn to listen with your heart. Degrees of education are not as important a heart led by the Spirit of God.

     I know from my own experience that you can know a lot about the Bible by just studying hard and long but something is still missing.  The Holy Spirit upon us is the source of Biblical understanding. When I received the Holy Spirit, my spiritual eyes and ears were opened and I saw the Word of God like I had never before.  No wonder Simeon could see things from God that other religious leaders could not. If we live by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows more than you ever will in this life.