25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
I'm grateful to Pastor Bentley pointing out that this passages teaches us some of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit a couple of Sundays ago in the sermon (available to listen to in a couple of weeks: http://www.fbc.org.ky/category/sermons/). It really struck me afresh how powerfully He works.
1) The Holy Spirit was on him - He dwells specifically with people, not just generally omnipresent, but resides in the presence of a person, with them, on them. How wonderful to know that one of the trinity of God resides with the people of God who are righteous and devout.
(John 14: 16-17)
2) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit - He reveals knowledge to the people of God, He gives us insight into the workings of God, He gives us understanding of God's word, and when we speak God's word to ourselves and others it is a working of the Holy spirit upon us.
(1 Corinthians 14:1, John 14:26)
3) Moved by the spirit - He causes us to act to fulfill the will of God, yeah that's right, the Holy Spirit can and does move us to act. Some might throw up hands and say what about my free will? Well I say to such independents - why would even want to act differently to how God wants you to act anyway? God is good, you want to put yourself on the opposite of that? Can't anyone claim they were moved by the spirit to justify their actions. They can, but knowledgeable Christians will always compare their claims to the truth of God's word and lovingly hold them to account if they try to add to change the Holy word of God. The Spirit moves us to act for the holy, righteous, will of God!
(1 Corinthians 14: 36-38)
The Holy Spirit is with us, He reveals truth to us and He moves us to act for the will of God to be fulfilled! Amazing!
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