"Don't Go Dying Until You See Jesus"

One of the most interesting biblical characters in the New Testament is Simeon. He was an old man whom Luke describes as "devout". He also says that the Holy Spirit was "upon him".

The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before the Messiah (Jesus) was born.

Luke 2:26 (AMP) - "And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."

The fulfillment of that prophecy came when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised according to Hebrew law.

Luke 2:28-30 (AMP) - "(28)[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, (29) And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. (30) For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation."

All is well. Simeon can now die a happy man. Peace has come to him and he can be assured of his eternity with God. Don't go dying until YOU see Jesus.

Christmas is just one day out of the year. Any day is a good day to embrace Jesus, but this time of year is a bit special. It puts us in touch with the history of what God did, why He did it, and how it affected people of the world.

How is it affecting you? Maybe you, like Simeon, are already secure in Christ. Simeon was already a righteous and devout man because he believed God under the best conditions there was before Jesus. But when he saw and beheld Jesus, and held Him in his arms, he rejoiced because salvation has now come into the world for everyone who would believe.

Have you been believing for someone to be saved in Jesus Christ? A loved one? A friend? A co-worker? Neighbor?

Maybe even yourself?

It's wrapped up in what Simeon saw. He looked past the cute infant and saw who He really is.

I think Simeon probably held many babies in his time, but this One was no mere baby. He was THE Baby! Simeon held a King! The conqueror of Hell itself! The Savior of Mankind! The future of the world was in his arms!

Simeon held the One who can make the difference in your life and the lives of everyone you ever come into contact with!

Go ahead. Embrace Him. Draw near to Him. He has accomplished everything He set out to do, and He did it all for you.

Jesus has never failed.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><