No. 8 Wonder in the Suddenly

One day Simeon is waiting and watching for the Messiah, and the next day he is holding baby Jesus — the Wonderful Counselor — in his arms. Just like that, all the waiting ceases. Just like that, a different kind of wonder is in play.

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.

The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.

He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (Luke 2:25-32)

I am convinced there is wonder in every day of the waiting, but when the suddenly comes, everything changes. We will be amazed and astonished. Even though we’ve been watching and expecting the fulfillment of the promises, just like Simeon, praise will overflow our hearts as we receive a a new wonder to hold.

I pray that I am fully listening to and following the Holy Spirit. To think I could miss a big moment because I was distracted is a terrible feeling. I don’t mean that in a scared kind of way, rather in a holy, keep-my-eyes-on-the prize kind of way.

Jesus, I’m so excited. I’m asking for big ears to hear you and quick feet to follow.