However prepared we may be, life-changing events are always more potent than their anticipation.  The death of a loved one induces more grief, and a longed-for birth surprises us with greater joy than we had imagined - as water in the desert produces an intensity of satisfaction for the thirsty traveller.  For Simeon, the moment had come.  Over the years, the Holy Spirit had inspired him with a hunger to see God's Messiah.  Now, when a young couple brought their firstborn son to be presented to the Lord (Leviticus 12:1-8), Simeon was there.  The Holy Spirit had moved him to be in the right place at the right time; and the Spirit opened his eyes to see that this baby was the answer to all his hopes.

Jewish rabbis used to refer to the coming Messiah as the Consoler/Comforter of Israel - the One who would come in strength to be alongside and to satisfy the hunger for God's presence.  Filled with the Spirit, the 'other Comforter', Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God and prophesied that all the Old Testament promises of salvation would be fulfilled in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20).

And, devout Jew though he was, Simeon saw Jesus as the Revealer of light to the Gentiles too.  Jesus was to fulfil the promise made to Abraham that, “… all people on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3). For Simeon, that moment was enough to fill his whole life.  Certain that he had met the Saviour of the world, he affirmed to Mary and Joseph what Elizabeth has said (Luke 1:42-45), what angels had said to shepherds (Luke 2:10-11), which was just the same as Mary and Joseph had heard from the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28-37; Matthew 1:20-21).  The old man could now rest from his work in peace.  His job in life was done.

None of us can have Simeon's role, but God intends that every believer should serve Him in the motivation and power of the Holy Spirit.  Most believers considerably underestimate their value to God and their role in His kingdom.  As Simeon knew, the greatest pleasure and privilege is to announce that Jesus is the Saviour of the whole world.  Jesus said that He is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and that we have a responsibility to enlighten the darkness by our deeds and words (Matthew 5:14).  We are to demonstrate that Christ's salvation liberates us from cowering under sin, in order that we can live in the Spirit and proclaim the Saviour.  That responsibility starts again today, in the place where you are.  But none of us can fulfil such a mandate unless we are willing to be filled by the Holy Spirit and walk in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).  So, ask Him for a willing heart to receive the fullness of His presence and His power (Psalm 51:10-12).