For brief moments this week-end I will play the role of a Biblical character named Simeon in our Easter music drama. Not a lot is told about this man. His biblical role was to keep living and looking until Messiah came. God promised Simeon he would not die until that happened. That is an interesting dilemma. If the Messiah is not seen he lives on. If He is seen he will then die. How would we react to such a case? It seems that, for Simeon, seeing the prophesy fulfilled was more important than life itself. When it finally happened Simeon rejoiced! The Bible records his prayer. "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32) Simeon blessed these young parents, but also gave them difficult news in this prophesy: "And a sword will pierce your own soul too." That word was directed to Mary. She would experience all this at the cross.
Simeon was a man of patience. He would go to the temple courts day after day, looking for One he had never seen. He probably expected a grown man, much like he would have imagined David to appear. Instead, it would be a tiny Baby. The Spirit spoke to Simeon's heart and said, "That's the One!". His patience was rewarded in full. How is your patience in things spiritual? When God doesn't follow your well-made plans on your time schedule, how do you handle it? Think of Simeon. Patience is indeed a virtue.
