Jim Valekis
Luke 2 25-27 Simeon – A Model Believer
This deep examination of this passage in the Book of Luke raised all kinds of questions, and it’s definitely worth a deep examination.
Consistency in Service Does Pay-Off
First, there’s a reason to remember the example of the Simeon’s of this world—the people who always show up to church, the ones who are always there and will always be there no matter what. It’s become easy and even fashionable to criticize people who are always at church whenever the doors are open. But amazing things happen in that time of quantity service. Amazingly quality moments happen. And Simeon’s devoutness and piety were rewarded with an amazing miracle. He was given the chance to become a “God-receiver.” He got to hold the God-man baby, Jesus, in his arms. It made him so happy that he said God could now “dismiss” him (let him die) in peace.
And that’s an amazing takeaway. Some of us just “die.” Some of us, like Simeon, are going to be serving our Creator until he dismisses us, and helps into the next life.
Speaking of the “next” life, here’s something chew on.
“On” or “In” — What’s Your Relationship With the Holy Spirit
The phrase that the Spirit was “on” Simeon raises an amazing theological question and a study table in this study does a fairly in depth study on it. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was “on” all kinds of people. And He did amazing things to them and through them, from giving them the strength to tear apart a lion to causing a prophet to be grabbed by the hair of his head and carried off to some amazing visionary place.
It begs the question worth asking—what’s the difference between the Spirit being “on” a person and “in” a person? Is the ability to do amazing things through the Spirit a true barometer of your spirituality? What’s the difference between being a person upon whom the Spirit occasionally rests “on,” and being someone who is truly a “Holy Spirit hot spot:” a person the Spirit is more than just “on.” He’s moved “in!” And He stays there, no matter what. And flows out of you as well.
Becoming “The Next” You
A really cool nuance came out when I studied phrases associated with becoming a “new” man once the Holy Spirit comes on (or in) you. The word often translated as “becoming a new man” conveys the nuance of becoming not so much a “new” man, but the “next” man you’re supposed to be.
And that is intriguing. How many “next” iterations of us are there for a single human? And could it be that we will be constantly becoming “new” (or the “next” version) of who we are meant to be for all of eternity.
It’s exciting to think of that as a possibility. We won’t ever reach a final plateau. There will always be one more “you” to discover, always be a “next” version of you to become.
Our Father is an Infinite Being. And the infinity He has to share will never run out.
All this and more is in this little study on “Simeon—A Model Believer.”
A very pious believer who can teach us all how to be ever-ready to be more of a God-receiver. And always be ready to become, “the next” person God will enable you to be.
Jim Valekis welcomes feedback and questions! You can reach me at [email protected].
