Topical Bible: Obedience: Simeon

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Simeon, a devout and righteous man in Jerusalem, is a notable biblical figure who exemplifies obedience to God. His account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, where he is portrayed as a man who lived in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises. Simeon's life and actions provide a profound example of obedience, faith, and patience.

Biblical Account

Simeon's narrative is recorded in Luke 2:25-35. He is described as "righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him" (Luke 2:25). This description highlights his piety and dedication to God, as well as his hope in the coming Messiah, who would bring comfort and redemption to Israel.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). This divine revelation required Simeon to live in obedience and faith, trusting in God's promise despite the passage of time and the uncertainty of when it would be fulfilled.

Obedience and the Holy Spirit

Simeon's obedience is closely linked to his relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's presence in his life is emphasized in the text, indicating that his actions and attitudes were guided by divine influence. His obedience is not merely a matter of following rules but is deeply rooted in a spiritual connection with God.

On the day Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the purification rites, Simeon, led by the Spirit, went to the temple courts (Luke 2:27). His obedience to the Spirit's prompting allowed him to encounter Jesus, fulfilling the promise he had received. Simeon's response to seeing Jesus is one of worship and prophetic declaration, as he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30).

Prophetic Role and Obedience

Simeon's obedience also extends to his role as a prophet. After blessing Mary and Joseph, he prophesied about Jesus' future impact on Israel and the world. He spoke of Jesus as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel" (Luke 2:32). Simeon's words reveal his understanding of God's redemptive plan and his willingness to speak truthfully, even when it included difficult revelations, such as the opposition Jesus would face and the sorrow Mary would endure (Luke 2:34-35).

Legacy of Obedience

Simeon's life serves as a testament to the power of obedience rooted in faith and guided by the Holy Spirit. His account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant. Simeon's obedience is characterized by patience, spiritual sensitivity, and a readiness to act when prompted by God. His example inspires Christians to live lives of faithful obedience, trusting in God's timing and purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:25
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 on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Third Mark of Inspiration, which is Holy Obedience to the Church ...
... no sooner delivered his message, than the great Simeon, without delay, without
reservation, without any reply, began to descend with an obedience and humility ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii third mark of.htm

Simeon's Swan-Song
... So Simeon takes these two words to express his relation and feeling towards God. ...
and grudge still more to yield them to Him in daily obedience, and when ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/simeons swan-song.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... therefore, to believe in Him, ordinarily implies that we are living in obedience
to God. ... Mary's husband, is called "a just man[18];" Simeon is spoken of as "a ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

The Dedication
... as spiritually, He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through
obedience to His ... There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 5 the dedication.htm

A Memorable Sentence,
... luctantur cum } They contend with those who forget their obedience. { Lucta. Contest.
Manasseh. . . . obliviscentibus Simeon. . . . obedientiam Levi. . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/a memorable sentence .htm

Education and Preparation.
... Mr. Simeon as curate and preached with great zeal and unction, often to very ... glorify
His own great name by converting all nations to the obedience of faith ...
/.../education and preparation.htm

Jesus and his Mother.
... with kisses, there would come into her heart a pang as she remembered Simeon's words. ...
Obedience to the Father in heaven did not lead him to reject the rule of ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter ii jesus and his.htm

Chapter xlix
... The fulfilment of this word is instructive. Simeon increased rapidly at first. ...
Until Shiloh come. And to him (shall be) obedience of peoples. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Works of John Cassian.
... Of the obedience of a brother who at the Abbot's bidding carried about in public
ten ... of a certain old man by which some work was found for Abbot Simeon when he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the works of john cassian /

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... 4. Now the tribes of Judah and Simeon took the cities which were in the ... and accordingly
they exhorted them to do what they ought to do in obedience to their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm