Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:25-35
“As Joseph and Mary proceed, the meet a pious old man, Simeon… We are not told Simeon’s vocation, all we know is that he is “righteous and devout.” Among the “righteous” in the Old Testament were Job and many of the prophets. The word “devout” was used in Greek culture of statesmen. Philo used the word to describe Abraham. Whereas the shepherds symbolized the average person on the street, Simeon represents the testimony of a wise elder who has walked with God…
Simeon, like Zechariah and Mary, is expectant that God will deliver Israel. He has not given up believing that God will complete His promise, and his living in the light of that hope brings perspective to the present. The Spirit, the source of all revelation and testimony, has told him that before he passes away, he will see “the Lord’s Christ.” Therefore, when the child Jesus arrives, he is there and is led by God to offer a note of praise. In that song, which includes some prediction, not all the noes are happy, for the career of the Lord’s Christ, though glorious, is not absent of trial and disappointment.”
Darrell L Bock in Luke (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996) 92-93.
Sometimes the most generous thing we can do in times filled with trouble and uncertainty is to be “righteous and devout” in a world filled with “trial and disappointment.” In a word, we must be “expectant” people.
In his case, the Sovereign Lord had made it clear to him that he would see the consolation of Israel. He could have waited and given up hope. Times were tough. But He lived with trust in the fulfillment of what was promised.
Today is election day in the USA. While we may not have a statesman like Simeon on the ballot, we can live generously by aiming at living “righteous and devout” lives. We can live expectant that God will fulfill His promises.
What does this do? It brings the one thing the whole world needs: hope.