The man had been promised by the Spirit of God that he would see the Messiah of God before he would die. When Jesus came into the temple, carried by His mother, at the age of 8 days; and for His naming, and circumcision; the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the Messiah was in the temple. Simeon was the man who had waited for many years, believing God’s promise to him that he would not die until he would see Him come.
Simeon, then spoke these words –
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:29-32
It was about four hundred years since God had spoken, as far as can be told. God had come visiting. Now how would the people respond?
The promises of God are for real. Simeon had received one, and God did not fail to come true.
We have received promise from God as well through His Son, whom Simeon waited for; and it this same Jesus for whom we also waiting to come back, and take us home with Him. Just as the promise was kept by the Lord GOD for His first coming, so will He keep the promise, His promise, “I will come again, and I will receive you unto Myself…”(John 14:3). We must hang on to that promise, and live for Him as if He was coming today.
Let those of us who are in Christ Jesus, and He in us live in the promise, trusting His word. His word is good. You can stand on it.
By trusting the promise of eternal life for all who will call on the name of Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again, just as He said; one day He will come and receive us into His glory.