During the Delay . . .
There are few things that annoy me more than a person not keeping an appointment, but failing to call to let me know he or she is delayed or is not going to make the meeting. Being kept waiting is not a pleasant experience. I wonder if Simeon was frustrated as he waited for Messiah to come.
During this time in history, religious, political, and social life was at an all time low. Israel was under harsh Roman rule and the promise of Messiah seemed to be a fading dream. Most people had given up on integrity. Yet, there was one who represented true religious faithfulness during this time of spiritual dearth – Simeon. Luke said he was a righteous and devout man. These seem like old and lofty words. Simply put, his external walk was congruent with his internal witness. He obeyed what God commanded. While others lived at a distance, Simeon enjoyed a close relationship with God. While others gave up on waiting for the fulfillment of the promise of Messiah, Simeon’s life was characterized by waiting for God to come along side his people to cheer them up through the coming of Messiah. Because Simeon walked closely with God, he waited expectantly for God. Ultimately, God blessed him to see the Messiah, Jesus.
If you are in the midst of a delay, remember when God makes a promise, he will keep it. Though years may pass, God will keep his promises. Though the spiritual horizon looks dark, God will keep his promises. The fulfillment of God’s promises is sweeter than anything we can imagine. While you are waiting for God, walk closely with God. Represent God in the middle of a spiritually, socially and economically anemic culture, and in so doing, you will communicate to the world that God still speaks in hopeless times.
During the delay, trust and obey!
How have you seen God fulfill his promises in your life recently?
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