Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "waiting upon God" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, embodying a posture of faith, patience, and hope. In the context of the "Consolation of Israel," this waiting takes on a profound significance, as it pertains to the anticipation of the Messiah, who would bring redemption and comfort to the people of Israel. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological implications of waiting upon God for the Consolation of Israel, drawing from scriptural references and historical context. Biblical Foundation The phrase "Consolation of Israel" is directly linked to the messianic hope that permeated Jewish thought during the intertestamental period and into the New Testament era. This hope is vividly captured in the Gospel of Luke, where Simeon, a devout man in Jerusalem, is described as "waiting for the Consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). Simeon's anticipation and subsequent encounter with the infant Jesus in the temple exemplify the fulfillment of this long-awaited promise. Old Testament Anticipation The anticipation of the Consolation of Israel is deeply rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets frequently spoke of a coming deliverer who would restore Israel and establish God's kingdom. Isaiah, in particular, offers a rich tapestry of messianic prophecies, including the promise of a child born to bring peace and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7) and the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53). These prophecies fueled the hope and expectation of a future redemption. The Role of Faith and Patience Waiting upon God for the Consolation of Israel required immense faith and patience. The period between the last Old Testament prophet and the birth of Christ, often referred to as the "silent years," was marked by foreign domination and spiritual longing. Despite the apparent silence, faithful Jews like Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:36-38) continued to trust in God's promises, embodying the essence of waiting upon the Lord. The Psalms frequently encourage believers to wait on God, emphasizing His faithfulness and timing. Psalm 27:14 exhorts, "Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!" This call to patience is not passive but active, involving prayer, worship, and a steadfast hope in God's deliverance. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Consolation of Israel in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel accounts highlight the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah by those who were waiting. Simeon's declaration upon seeing Jesus, "For my eyes have seen Your salvation" (Luke 2:30), underscores the realization of God's promise. Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection further confirm Him as the ultimate source of consolation and redemption for Israel and all humanity. Theological Implications The waiting for the Consolation of Israel serves as a paradigm for Christian hope and expectation. It illustrates the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of God's kingdom. Believers today are called to wait upon God with the same faith and patience, trusting in His promises and looking forward to the return of Christ, who will consummate His kingdom and bring ultimate consolation to His people. In summary, waiting upon God for the Consolation of Israel is a profound expression of faith, rooted in the promises of Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It calls believers to a life of hope, patience, and active trust in God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:25And, 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Simeon Waiting Only Upon God Simeon's Swan-Song The Consolation The Dedication Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Strong Faith in a Faithful God The Angel's Message and Song The Signs of the Redeemer's Return Beauty for Ashes Resources Why is waiting on God so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about patience? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
    |