Anticipation leads to readiness

But as you think about all that you’re anticipating this year, I wonder if the coming of Christ made it onto your list.

I’ve been challenged by a character in Scripture who lived with a constant anticipation of Christ’s first coming, two thousand and twenty-four plus years ago.

 “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)

This ‘just and devout’ man – Simeon – is someone worth considering. As he eagerly anticipated the coming of the promised Christ, God graciously led Simeon into the Temple at the very moment when the newborn Jesus was being presented as a firstborn son to the Lord. And in that moment, Simeon was ready to handle the baby with care and respect before praising and blessing God: 

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation…” (Luke 2:25-35)

Simeon had known he would see the Saviour coming into the world, just not when or how. We don't know for how long he knew this, but I think from the time he knew, he was constantly and excitedly anticipating the moment with a ready and devoted heart. So, it should be for us. We are to anticipate the Saviour’s second coming eagerly, watchfully, and patiently – for he’s coming soon. 

“Be patient, and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming draws nigh” (James 5:8)

In the meantime, God calls us to be faithful and righteous in our anticipation. Simeon sets us the example to follow:

"the same man was just and devout ..." (Luke 2:25)

Simeon devoted his whole life to God. He was found reverent before God and righteous before men, as he held onto God’s infallible Word.

In Titus 2:11-13, we are encouraged to “live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”

As we live in this dark world, let’s be children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) – always ready and waiting for Christ’s coming. Let’s live fairly with our neighbours and with full reverence to Him who deserves our worship and service, until the day when we shall be changed to be like Christ (Philippians 3:20-21).

A final point to make is that Simeon was ready for Christ’s coming because he was devoted to God. Perhaps he was daily searching the Scriptures, serving in prayer, and fasting (like Anna in Luke 2:37). It is through these daily disciplines that he was, no doubt, able to maintain his eager expectation of Christ’s appearance. And so it is that as we are in the Lord’s presence morning and night, searching the Scriptures and worshipping Him, both privately and publicly, our anticipation and readiness for Christ’s glorious coming will grow.

This is the challenge then: let us follow Simeon’s character to be eager, intently faithful, patient, reverent, righteous, sober, and watchful. Let’s be men of God, ready for Christ’s coming, whether it be this year or another. 

“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

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_{(Image source: Simeon, by Rembrandt)}