LUKE 2:21-39 WAITING - LOOKING God has His people, unknown to most and overlooked by many as unimportant, who are waiting for God to fulfill His promises. Simeon and Anna, along with others were waiting for the promised Messiah to come and deliver Israel. Redemption was on their mind and the "Consolation of Israel" was their hope. They were well acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies. Likely they were thinking the coming Christ would be only for Israel. Joseph and Mary were amazed when Simeon identified the Lord Jesus as the promised Messiah not only to the Jews but that He would also be a light to the whole world. From Simeon's words they learned that some would fall and others would rise in Israel because of Him. Some would accept Him and others would reject Him. Mary herself would have sorrow because of Him being rejected by many.
We do not know what may take place between now and the end of the age. But we do know the promises of God will be kept. And we know that God is working out plans and purposes that may seem like set-backs, or even defeats now but are part of God's divine will. Even as people in that day never lost hope and did not doubt God, so we in this day must not lose sight of the fact that what God says, He will do. There will be a fulfillment of His word. Sometimes as we get older our words may carry extra weight by those who live by faith. On the other hand, many young people will feel we are so disconnected from contemporary life, that what those who are older have to say, has no real value to them or on what is happening today.
Some young people want to know about the past but also want to know how we can learn today from the lessons and promises of the past. Waiting times for those of us who are older do not have to be wasted times. Orderly and sensible review of what we have learned and know by experience of the promises of God and His dealing with us, can be of real benefit to those who are coming up among us. Waiting is not always bad and we should not allow ourselves to be frustrated by these waiting times.
Looking ahead is not necessarily involved in anticipating what might happen, but can include acts of faith that are carried out based on the promises of God. When people are close to God and like Anna, are "looking for redemption," events may not surprise us. They may be causes for thanksgiving and praise to God. The twelve titles of the Lord in the first two chapters of Luke set the stage for the historical account Luke unfolds through the whole book.
As "The Son of the Highest" [1:32], we are taught of His nobility. As "The Son of David" [1:32], we are reminded of His royalty. "The Holy One" [1:35], tells us of His purity. "The Son of God" [1:35] testifies to His deity. "My Lord" [1:43] establishes His priority. "The Horn of my Salvation" [1:69] - His omnipotency. "The Dayspring" [1:78] - His refulgency. "A Savior" [2:11], tells of His mercy. "Christ the Lord" [2:11] points out His supremacy. "The Consolation of Israel" [2:25] - His monarchy. "A Light of the Gentiles" [2:32] teaches His universality. "The Glory of Israel" [2:32] - His majesty.
Those who looked forward when they were waiting, saw the blessing that would come through this One unique Person. The One they had anticipated was here and they continued to speak of Him. It is our right and responsibility to do the same today so that the blessing of salvation from "God our Savior who would have all men to be saved..." would reach out to others who do not know Him.
Waiting is not easy when you know one is going to come. There is a sense of relief when that waiting time is done. Patience is needed even though the promise was made And would be kept in an unknown time somewhere ahead.
When the Lord Jesus came there first time, some were waiting. The day they saw Him there was none of them hesitating To express their joy and thanks for the promise fulfilled. Telling others of His coming was surely divinely compelled.
Looking for redemption was their hope for the nation. The One they were waiting for was Israel's "Consolation." Faith in God's promises was behind their anticipation. Simeon's joy was great when he saw "God's Salvation."
We are waiting too, in this favored day of grace. The promise of God is true, we are waiting to see His face. When that advent comes, God's ways we them will trace From the time we came in faith at the beginning of our race.
Now this race will soon be run, and what joy then to see, The One who gave the promise I am able to claim personally. All the saints will around Him gather, each one so glad to be With all of those who can truthfully say, "I believe He died for me."
We wait and we look, neither of these is done in vain. Each day that passes brings closer the promises believers claim. The Savior is coming, our faith is in Him and the power of His name. Our faith burns strong and sure in the promise, "I will come again."
"Those believers trusted Thy word Father, and so do I. In the same way they were all delighted to see the Lord when He came the first time, so I will be to see Him in the air. May our hands be full and out hearts praising Thee daily in anticipation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."