[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] the Spirit led [Simeon] to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
—Luke 2:27-32 NLT
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a saying that many accept as an excuse for becoming staid and cynical as they age. I don't know about you, but I'm no dog! I believe I can change — or better yet, I believe that God's Spirit can transform me. Here was the aged Simeon, old eyes and all, [1] yet he got to see God's new light dawn for Israel. Why? Because Simeon believed God would do something great in his day. He kept believing in God's promises even when he was old. God still longs to do glorious things in our day. This desire is true whether we are old, young, or in-between! So, let's keep believing, listening, trusting, following, and expecting Jesus to act in mighty ways! God is faithful. He longs to surprise us with glorious things in response to our prayers and our faith.
[1] It is believed that Luke 2:26 and Luke 2:29 indicate that Simeon was old.
O Father, my tender shepherd, please do not let my passion dim or my faith waver as I grow older. I want to live a vibrant life of faith, expecting and experiencing your great acts of mercy and power all the way to my dying day. In Jesus' name, I pray this. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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"Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!"
—Luke 2:27-32 NLT
Key Thought
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a saying that many accept as an excuse for becoming staid and cynical as they age. I don't know about you, but I'm no dog! I believe I can change — or better yet, I believe that God's Spirit can transform me. Here was the aged Simeon, old eyes and all, [1] yet he got to see God's new light dawn for Israel. Why? Because Simeon believed God would do something great in his day. He kept believing in God's promises even when he was old. God still longs to do glorious things in our day. This desire is true whether we are old, young, or in-between! So, let's keep believing, listening, trusting, following, and expecting Jesus to act in mighty ways! God is faithful. He longs to surprise us with glorious things in response to our prayers and our faith.
[1] It is believed that Luke 2:26 and Luke 2:29 indicate that Simeon was old.
Today's Prayer
O Father, my tender shepherd, please do not let my passion dim or my faith waver as I grow older. I want to live a vibrant life of faith, expecting and experiencing your great acts of mercy and power all the way to my dying day. In Jesus' name, I pray this. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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