We focus on a few phrases about Simeon in Luke 2.
The Spirit was upon Simon (2:25).
As we have seen in the Old Testament the Spirit was upon people, for particular tasks for particular times. The Spirit would give revelation (insight), wisdom, prophetic speech, creativity, and also could give power to bring liberty from oppression. So Simeon is like those examples – the Spirit is upon Simeon for that moment in the temple.
But this is different upon further reflection. When we read of Simeon, it grabs our attention because we see the Spirit at work in a similar way to what we read in Acts. The Spirit upon a believer, hearing the Spirit’s voice, being led by the Spirit, the Spirit working through a person to guide, strengthen, to encourage believers (cf 1 Cor 14:3). He is the only person who is mentioned in such a manner in the Gospel of Luke, except for Jesus. John Nolland – theologian – describes the Spirit as an enduring possession for Simeon – and not a temporary empowerment. As Christians, each of us also has the Spirit permanently. Did Luke portray him so specifically in these words so that we as readers can immediately see how, thanks to Jesus, we can live in the power of the Spirit?
Is Simeon described in such detail to us, in order for us to learn from him, as Christians to whom the Spirit has been given?
It had been revealed to him (2:26)
It has been revealed to him by the Spirit – charismatic revelation. It’s easy to just skip over that. But how exactly did this happen? It may have been through a dream, a vision, a word, a picture – the Old Testament shows a range of ways the Lord can speak.
Simeon received the revelation,
he understood the interpretation and the application was for him alone.
Simeon listened.
We have the Spirit is within us. We begin with expectancy that he does want to speak.
On my very first ever retreat – the nuns told me that wouldn’t speak to me the whole week unless at meals! The Spirit – he isn’t like those nuns – he hasn’t said, I’m not going to speak to Grant, I’m going to speak to everyone else.
Instead, just like I was sure the nuns would speak at meal times, and I could look forward to it and expect it, we can look forward to and expect the Spirit to speak to us.
Our Bible assumes God speaks. It opens with God speaking – let there be light! As soon as humanity appears, God is speaking to them.
Later God speaks to Cain; he speaks to Noah, to Abraham, to the patriarchs, from Moses to Malachi, he speaks, with the prophets saying ‘so says the Lord’. As we heard in Malachi, the Lord speaks about this moment Simeon and Anna experience: the lord you are seeking will come to his temple.’’ (Malachi 3:1).
He has spoken to our world, through Jesus.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter quotes Joel 2 – a prophecy that states that a day will come when the Spirit is poured out, and male and female, young and old, those in low estate (slaves) and high estate, will all hear God’s words (and by association speak them out). Prophecy is to be one of the gifts, through the Holy Spirit to the church community.
This speaking continues through Acts and even in the final book, Jesus says ‘hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches’, (Revelation 3:13)
Scripture points us to this fact from beginning to end. ‘’The Living God, who lives in all believers, by His Holy Spirit, is a God who speaks.’1’
God wants to speak to you too.
Oswald Chambers challenges us, as challenging circumstances come into our lives, to get into that habit of saying ‘’speak Lord’’ and crucially to make the time to listen.
To be able to hear him, some practical suggestions.
The first step is to expect him to speak.
A second step is to make time for God, room for him to speak.
Third, to be attentive during the day, for him speaking, as we would pay attention to anyone else you’re in relationship with.
Moved by the Spirit (2:27).
The phrase is very close, in the Greek, to Luke 4:1 ‘Jesus … was led by the Spirit in the wilderness. ‘’ Simeon is moved by the Spirit to enter the temple courts.
Do you know that persistent feeling that you need to call or message someone? That you need to visit someone, even though you don’t exactly know why? Could it be that it’s the Spirit prompting you? Could it be that the Spirit brings it to mind, perhaps giving you a little nudge? Could it be that Simeon learned to respond to these promptings?
Does this open up an idea that God the Spirit may be at work in our lives or surroundings in ways perhaps at first we don’t imagine?
He hears the Spirit for others (2:29-35)
Simeon had heard the Spirit for himself. Now, he speaks out what God is doing (verses 29-32). Then, he hears what the Spirit wants to say to Mary, and he passes those words on to her (verses 33-35).
To define language – Simeon forth-tells what God is doing (v29-32) in that moment, and then he fore-tells what will be for Christ and for Mary (v33-35).
When we listen to God’s voice, it can be private, meant for us alone. It can be part of God’s intimate relationship with you, like a Father speaking to His daughter or son. Words of love, affirmation, joy over you. Words that teach or correct you. Words that give direction in your life. But it can also be that God gives us something for someone else.
I think at times, hearing God’s voice, we can scale it up, that it is always about life changing or life challenging words. It can be.
But I believe it can also be simply the Spirit seeks to speak, something upbuilding for that day, for that week for that person…
How does God speak?
Bearing in mind all we have spoken about.
When we look at the Old and New Testaments we see: through the bible;
an audible voice; still pictures (it feels like we can be imagining it);
moving pictures / visions (something like a mini-film in your mind);
light thoughts (like a butterfly, a thought lands lightly in your mind)
or heavy (thoughts that seem heavy and just will not leave you) thoughts;
impressions (you just know);
or dreams.
These examples are revelation.
But the process of hearing from God has two more steps – interpretation and application.
Sometimes we recognize something as a revelation but misunderstand it.
Take time to weigh it and ask God boldly: “Lord, is this from You? What does it mean? What do You want to make clear to me?” That is interpretation.
Even if we understand it, we may draw the wrong conclusion. Therefore, also take time for the third step and ask God: “How do You want me to apply this in my life?” Is it for my prayers? Or is it be shared?
Personal Application
A simple exercise to grow in listening. Called ACORN.
Ask God C all, O bey, R report, N o
Each day of the week, pray ‘Lord, who outside of the church family, do you want me to connect with today?’ Take time to wait and to listen.
When a name came to mind, we contact them and ask them a simple question ‘How are you doing?’ And we see where the conversation goes.
ACORN means – Ask God, Call – the name that comes to mind, is the one God wants us to reach out to – O – obey, if we asked, we should go for it; R – Report, report back, we tell another about it; N – notice God was doing, in us, in the person we spoke with.
This week, practice ACORN.
And be willing to share your experience at your group or with others when it meets.
Conclusion.
Simeon was someone whom the Spirit was upon,
Someone who listened to the Spirit
And he was someone led by the Spirit.
Prayer.
Lord we thank you for the gift of your presence, your Spirit within us.
May we grow as people who are led by your Spirit day by day;
And may we grow as people who listen to your Spirit. Help us to set aside time as challenging times appear, to ask ‘’Speak Lord’’ and teach us to hear your voice and to know what you are saying.
In Jesus name.
Amen.