Hearts Fulfilled! - Luke 2:25-40

Intro: Are We Watching for the Return of The Lord?

Mark 13:1–8 CSB

1 As he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!” 2 Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another—all will be thrown down.” 3 While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 Jesus told them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and they will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but it is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:32–33 CSB

32 “Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—but only the Father. 33 “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

TS: We Begin This Morning in Luke 2:25

Luke 2:25–27 CSB

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law,

Point #1: When We Are Properly Connected to The Lord We Are Not In the Dark Regarding His Plans and It’s Timing!

Exhibit A: Simeon!

Simeon lived in Jerusalem

Simeon was a righteous and devout man

Simeon was looking forward to God advancing His plan in Israel (Israel’s consolation).

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that Simeon would not die before he saw The Lord’s Messiah!

Do you think Simeon eagerly went to the Temple to worship?

Do you think Simeon eagerly went to the Temple to pray?

Do you think he wandered into worship distracted or do you think he had an eager anticipation

Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple...

Joseph and Mary had brought Jesus to the Temple on the eighth day to dedicate him to the Lord.

Every firstborn son was dedicated to The Lord with an offering to redeem him!

This is what was talking place...

Simeon sees Jesus!

Luke 2:28–32 CSB

28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, 29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.

Point #2: Simeon’s Life Purpose is Fulfilled, He Can No Die in Peace!

Simeon takes the baby in his arms!

He praises God!

He testifies to just who this baby really is!!!

Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.

For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[m] and glory to your people Israel.

Luke 2:33–35 CSB

33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Point #3: Joseph and Mary Are Amazed, This is Confirmation About All That God is Doing in and Through Them!

Simeon blesses this family…this is so much bigger then the way we tend to bless people today!

He shares his desire for the fulness of God’s blessing on them!!!

He commits himself to being part of the fulness of God’s blessing for their family!

Simeon then prophesies over Jesus!

He Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed[o]—

35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[p] of many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:36–38 CSB

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Point #4: God Uses Other Believers to Confirm What He is Doing! Exhibit B: Anna!

Anna was a prophetess from the tribe of Asher...

She had been married 7 years then lost her husband...

She had then been widowed for 84 years...

At this point she did not leave the Temple but prayed and fasted all the time...

She served God continually!

38 At that very moment,[s] she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.[t]

TS: We Find Ourselves in the Same Situation as Simeon and Anna! In Mark 13 Jesus tells us...

Mark 13:34–37 CSB

34 “It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. 35 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. 36 Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”

Point #5: Jesus Tells us to be Watching, Jesus Tells to Be Alert Anticipating His Return!