WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.600 Luke chapter 2, beginning at verse 21. 00:00:06.219 --> 00:00:11.640 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, 00:00:12.140 --> 00:00:15.480 the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:20.820 When the time of their purification according to the law of Moses had been completed, 00:00:21.740 --> 00:00:25.900 Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 00:00:25.899 --> 00:00:32.500 As it is written in the law of the Lord, every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:37.259 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the law of the Lord, 00:00:37.619 --> 00:00:39.359 a pair of doves or two young pigeons. 00:00:40.079 --> 00:00:45.619 Now, there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon who was righteous and devout. 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:51.340 He was waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 00:00:51.340 --> 00:00:57.980 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 00:00:59.000 --> 00:01:02.640 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:08.520 When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the law required, 00:01:09.280 --> 00:01:12.500 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 00:01:13.200 --> 00:01:18.400 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:24.160 For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 00:01:24.900 --> 00:01:30.480 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. 00:01:31.020 --> 00:01:34.540 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 00:01:35.040 --> 00:01:38.760 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:44.140 This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel 00:01:44.140 --> 00:01:47.120 and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:50.439 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed, 00:01:51.140 --> 00:01:53.900 and a sword will pierce your own soul too. 00:01:54.719 --> 00:02:00.579 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:02.299 She was very old. 00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:05.560 She had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:08.020 and then she was a widow until she was 84. 00:02:08.020 --> 00:02:13.700 She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 00:02:14.380 --> 00:02:18.160 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God 00:02:18.160 --> 00:02:23.620 and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel. 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:27.879 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the law of the Lord, 00:02:28.379 --> 00:02:31.860 they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth, 00:02:32.260 --> 00:02:35.020 and the child grew and became strong. 00:02:35.020 --> 00:02:40.439 He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 00:02:40.860 --> 00:02:43.360 We'll leave our reading there. 00:02:44.140 --> 00:02:50.620 Waiting and witnessing Christmas as we see it in the life of Simeon. 00:02:51.560 --> 00:02:53.420 Now, boys and girls, let me begin here. 00:02:53.800 --> 00:02:57.620 Let me begin with a story of my eight-year-old Christmas. 00:02:58.120 --> 00:03:01.860 So I remember as an eight-year-old getting what I thought was a wonderful gift. 00:03:01.860 --> 00:03:08.640 I got a tiny snooker table, probably about the same size as this thing here. 00:03:08.720 --> 00:03:09.760 I was really excited. 00:03:10.220 --> 00:03:12.000 I always liked sport as a kid. 00:03:12.440 --> 00:03:16.960 But I remember the first thing that I did that Christmas morning when I got that present 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:20.160 is I went through to my grandpa's bedroom. 00:03:20.620 --> 00:03:22.260 Grandpa was staying with us for a while. 00:03:22.580 --> 00:03:27.120 I went through to wake him up so that he would come and see and share that joy. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:29.520 I wonder if you recognize that. 00:03:29.520 --> 00:03:34.000 You have great anticipation around Christmas for sure, 00:03:34.500 --> 00:03:37.719 waiting to see maybe what's going to be in those presents. 00:03:38.340 --> 00:03:42.200 And whenever you get a present, usually as kids and also as adults, 00:03:42.300 --> 00:03:45.300 we like to show off that present to other people. 00:03:45.439 --> 00:03:46.360 Look what I got. 00:03:46.980 --> 00:03:48.100 We're really excited. 00:03:48.300 --> 00:03:51.600 Maybe you'll be saying, this is what I always wanted. 00:03:51.939 --> 00:03:53.800 That's a really wonderful thing to be able to say. 00:03:54.300 --> 00:03:56.020 I wonder why we do that. 00:03:56.020 --> 00:04:00.620 Why is it when we get a gift and we want to tell others about it? 00:04:01.500 --> 00:04:06.060 Well, C.S. Lewis, who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, he said it's because when we praise 00:04:06.060 --> 00:04:10.000 something, it completes our joy in that. 00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:16.400 And if we do that for small gifts, if we do that for things that we get at Christmas time, 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:22.120 how much more if we receive a gift that's truly life-changing? 00:04:22.659 --> 00:04:31.719 How much more if we receive a great gift should we then tell others so that they can enjoy it too? 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:34.759 And that takes us to the story of Simeon. 00:04:35.419 --> 00:04:38.439 We find Simeon as someone who is waiting. 00:04:38.439 --> 00:04:42.819 He is waiting for God's great promise to come true. 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:45.719 And what happens when Jesus comes? 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:51.939 Instantly, we find him praising God, sharing that good news with others. 00:04:52.519 --> 00:04:55.659 It's a great pattern for the life of faith. 00:04:56.279 --> 00:05:00.459 And when God opens our eyes so that we see that Jesus is the Savior, 00:05:00.600 --> 00:05:02.420 when we see him as good news for ourselves, 00:05:02.659 --> 00:05:06.699 we then live so that we might share him with others. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:15.420 But of course, first, we need to see in Jesus that he is God's promised King and Savior 00:05:15.420 --> 00:05:18.800 so that we would have faith in him. 00:05:19.620 --> 00:05:24.779 So let's notice together how Simeon waits with faith. 00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:27.399 Now, this is the only time in our Bibles we meet Simeon, 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:30.800 but we learn lots of significant things about him. 00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:34.519 Most of all, we learn that he is a man of faith. 00:05:34.519 --> 00:05:36.180 So look at verse 25. 00:05:36.699 --> 00:05:41.639 And you will discover there that Simeon is righteous and devout. 00:05:41.779 --> 00:05:45.240 So here is a real believer in God. 00:05:45.539 --> 00:05:50.019 And we're told he was waiting for the consolation, 00:05:50.180 --> 00:05:53.379 for the comfort of Israel. 00:05:53.599 --> 00:05:58.639 So he's waiting with faith that God will do what he has promised to do, 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:03.759 that he will bring salvation and deliverance for his people. 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:07.019 We're also told in verse 25, 00:06:07.019 --> 00:06:10.379 the Holy Spirit was on him. 00:06:10.899 --> 00:06:15.939 And indeed, we know that the Holy Spirit speaks to him in verse 26. 00:06:16.139 --> 00:06:23.079 And in verse 27, he is moved by the Spirit to go to the temple as Jesus is brought in. 00:06:23.180 --> 00:06:24.779 So the Holy Spirit is on him, 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:29.679 and he is someone who is listening to, who is directed by the Spirit. 00:06:29.679 --> 00:06:32.799 So he is a man of faith. 00:06:33.859 --> 00:06:38.659 Faith for Simeon looks like trusting God and his Word, 00:06:39.039 --> 00:06:44.779 even when many other people who are claiming to be worshippers are straying from God and his Word. 00:06:44.779 --> 00:06:49.879 So he is surrounded by people who are worshipping with hypocrisy, 00:06:49.979 --> 00:06:51.500 saying one thing, doing another thing. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:56.679 When people are selling a saviour self-religion, 00:06:57.139 --> 00:07:01.519 what God wants is for you to work really hard to keep all these extra rules. 00:07:01.619 --> 00:07:04.059 And if you can do that, if you can live like a Pharisee, 00:07:04.399 --> 00:07:06.039 then God will be pleased with you. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:10.960 In spite of those false messages, he is a man of true faith, 00:07:11.280 --> 00:07:15.080 who continues to listen and to wait on God's promises. 00:07:16.080 --> 00:07:21.960 Even despite the fact that for those 400 years between the end of the Old Testament 00:07:21.960 --> 00:07:27.500 and the time that we're in here, there was some 400 years of silence, 00:07:27.500 --> 00:07:36.300 still we find Simeon exercising faith and learning to wait on God's promises. 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:43.379 Specifically, we're told that he is waiting for the consolation of Israel. 00:07:44.160 --> 00:07:50.160 He is waiting for the comfort of God sending his saviour into the world. 00:07:50.220 --> 00:07:55.120 And he'd received in verse 27, in verse 26 rather, a remarkable promise. 00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:59.920 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:04.019 before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 00:08:05.060 --> 00:08:07.579 So this Christ that was promised throughout the Old Testament 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:09.340 some hundreds of years beforehand, 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:12.980 and all of God's people were waiting with great expectation, 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:15.439 well, Simeon is told he would have the privilege 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:19.399 of seeing the rescuer in the flesh. 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:23.599 And so Simeon will find the joy of salvation 00:08:23.599 --> 00:08:29.539 from getting to meet for himself, Jesus, God's Christ. 00:08:30.039 --> 00:08:35.919 And part of Simeon's faith is that he can look at this young baby, 00:08:36.319 --> 00:08:40.559 maybe seven weeks old at this stage, an ordinary child. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:43.819 We read verse 22 to 24. 00:08:43.820 --> 00:08:47.300 We see that when Joseph and Mary came to the temple to offer a sacrifice, 00:08:47.400 --> 00:08:49.620 they offered the sacrifice of those who were poor. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:53.740 Jesus comes in poverty and humility. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:57.840 But by faith, Simeon is able to look on this child 00:08:57.840 --> 00:09:00.580 and see here is God's promise kept. 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:04.500 Here is God's great gift now arrived. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:09.420 And again, Simeon presents us with a pattern of life as a Christian. 00:09:09.419 --> 00:09:13.919 We're waiting in faith for God to do what he has promised. 00:09:14.959 --> 00:09:17.779 We're waiting in faith for the return of Jesus 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:22.279 to make everything new so that we might be with him forever. 00:09:22.919 --> 00:09:26.379 And we are a people who are called to hold on to God's word 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:28.639 and to hold on to God's promises. 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:32.379 Even when we're surrounded by unbelief and hypocrisy 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:36.059 and different messages about how a person can be saved 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:38.159 and be truly human and enjoy the good life, 00:09:38.719 --> 00:09:41.559 we believe that we are saved by faith in Jesus 00:09:41.559 --> 00:09:44.799 and we place our hope firmly in him. 00:09:46.119 --> 00:09:47.679 And so he waits with faith. 00:09:48.599 --> 00:09:50.479 I wonder, boys and girls, at your stage, 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:53.639 have you ever received a gift and you thought, 00:09:53.739 --> 00:09:55.879 this is the one thing I always wanted? 00:09:56.519 --> 00:09:57.739 Maybe you've not had that yet. 00:09:57.799 --> 00:09:58.939 Maybe you have had that joy. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:01.199 I remember one time that happened to me. 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:02.579 I was probably about 13. 00:10:02.580 --> 00:10:05.759 I really liked music and I got an electric guitar. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:09.580 I realized it was a lot more hard to play an electric guitar 00:10:09.580 --> 00:10:12.400 than it looked when I was watching my favorite bands. 00:10:12.800 --> 00:10:16.379 But I was so excited that Christmas to receive that wonderful gift. 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:19.280 But I can guarantee you this Christmas, any Christmas, 00:10:19.280 --> 00:10:22.360 no matter the best gift that money can buy, 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:27.820 it is not going to come near to what Simeon has been given 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:32.960 when the Savior of the world, God's King, is in his arms 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:35.400 and he knows God has kept his promise. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:37.280 And Simeon appreciates that. 00:10:37.560 --> 00:10:38.379 Look at verse 28. 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:41.280 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and straight away, what's he doing? 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:42.280 He's praising God. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:46.420 There's joy in his heart because of Jesus. 00:10:47.420 --> 00:10:50.320 I wonder, do we understand why, 00:10:50.460 --> 00:10:52.160 whether we're boys and girls, whether we're older, 00:10:52.159 --> 00:10:57.299 do we understand why Jesus is the greatest gift of all? 00:10:58.139 --> 00:10:59.759 We'll sing at the end of our service, 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:01.919 Hark the Herald Angels Sing. 00:11:02.539 --> 00:11:03.899 Some wonderful lines. 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:07.059 Our Christmas carols are full of really great truth. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:09.000 So in that carol we'll sing, 00:11:09.379 --> 00:11:11.819 Christ by highest heaven adored, 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:14.620 Christ the everlasting Lord. 00:11:14.620 --> 00:11:19.639 So the child in Simeon's arms is the eternal Son of God, 00:11:19.779 --> 00:11:24.240 worshipped for all eternity by the angels. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:26.080 We'll sing, 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:31.720 Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see hail the incarnate deity. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:36.940 We're invited to worship a God who has taken on human flesh, 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:41.720 who's taken on a true nature, becoming one of us. 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.159 We'll sing, 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:46.179 Mild he lays his glory by, 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:50.339 Born that man no more may die. 00:11:50.439 --> 00:11:52.000 Jesus had all the glory of heaven, 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:55.100 but willingly left it to become one of us 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:57.919 so that he might suffer in our place, 00:11:58.000 --> 00:11:59.879 having fulfilled God's law, 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:03.240 so that he might die in order for us to be forgiven 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:06.179 and to receive eternal life. 00:12:07.699 --> 00:12:10.919 Peace on earth and mercy mild, 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:14.360 God and sinners reconciled. 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:17.439 It's the great hope of the gospel. 00:12:17.599 --> 00:12:19.799 It's the good news of Christmas. 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:23.240 Jesus is the answer to peace with God, 00:12:23.339 --> 00:12:24.919 to peace in our hearts. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:30.299 The only way for us as sinful people to be reconciled to a holy God 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:33.639 is through Jesus coming to die for us, 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:36.699 to take our sins on himself, 00:12:36.699 --> 00:12:38.699 to be punished for our sins, 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:42.500 to have his righteousness gifted to us 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:47.599 so that we might be accepted and be brought into God's family. 00:12:47.600 --> 00:12:50.139 So Simeon waits with faith, 00:12:50.460 --> 00:12:52.019 and when Jesus arrives, 00:12:52.420 --> 00:12:54.899 he's filled with joy. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:12:56.680 Today, 00:12:57.399 --> 00:13:04.040 do we see the baby in Simeon's arms as God's great gift to his world? 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:09.899 Do we see Jesus as God's great gift to you and to me today? 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:15.840 Do we see it as good news that God the Son has left glory to become one of us 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:17.840 in order to die to save us? 00:13:19.299 --> 00:13:21.500 Do we see in the story of Christmas, 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:25.120 stage one in this great salvation plan? 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:27.620 It was important for us to remember, 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:31.860 the baby Jesus couldn't die for our sins. 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:35.519 We need one who stands in our place, 00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:40.899 one who is able to succeed in keeping the law where we have failed. 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:44.439 And so Jesus must live a life of perfect obedience. 00:13:44.659 --> 00:13:47.500 He must suffer as one of us 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:51.579 and then die in the place of lawbreakers. 00:13:51.639 --> 00:13:55.340 It's the whole story of Jesus that gives us joy 00:13:55.340 --> 00:13:58.079 and that causes our hearts to sing. 00:13:59.439 --> 00:14:02.059 Are we waiting in faith, 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:03.120 like Simeon, 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.879 for Jesus coming? 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:07.500 Not this time for his first coming, 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:10.460 now waiting for the return of the King, 00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:12.679 for his final victory, 00:14:12.919 --> 00:14:14.559 when he'll make everything new, 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.460 including us, 00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:18.659 when our faith is in him. 00:14:18.939 --> 00:14:22.120 Are we able to trust God's promise? 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:26.019 Trust in God's goodness, 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:30.059 even in perhaps the silence that we feel like we're living in, 00:14:30.059 --> 00:14:32.340 in the darkness of our own experience. 00:14:32.340 --> 00:14:35.700 Can we hold on with hope and with faith 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:39.180 to the word of God and his promise? 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:43.160 So Simeon waits with faith, 00:14:43.540 --> 00:14:47.560 but we also see Simeon witnesses by faith. 00:14:49.160 --> 00:14:50.019 Boys and girls, 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:50.399 again, 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:51.060 I wonder, 00:14:51.600 --> 00:14:52.800 maybe at this time of year, 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.460 but sometimes, 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:57.580 have you ever been excited for something to arrive? 00:14:58.060 --> 00:14:58.200 Yeah, 00:14:58.240 --> 00:14:59.740 this time of year can be quite exciting 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:02.200 because there's lots of parcels that maybe come to your house. 00:15:02.700 --> 00:15:04.240 So maybe waiting for the postman, 00:15:04.300 --> 00:15:06.740 the delivery man can be good news when that bell rings. 00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:10.080 Or perhaps it's you're waiting with expectation 00:15:10.080 --> 00:15:12.040 for a family member or a friend 00:15:12.040 --> 00:15:13.440 to come round to play 00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:14.520 or to come for a holiday 00:15:14.520 --> 00:15:16.520 and you're waiting at the window 00:15:16.520 --> 00:15:17.680 or waiting at the front door 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:18.600 and you're excited, 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:20.840 a sense of anticipation 00:15:20.840 --> 00:15:23.080 for that arrival. 00:15:23.540 --> 00:15:23.680 Well, 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.120 Simeon, 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:26.660 Simeon was given a job by God. 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:28.899 He was a watcher. 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:30.740 He was like a watchman waiting 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:33.120 for God's promise, 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:34.840 waiting for God's gift. 00:15:34.899 --> 00:15:35.460 And as we saw, 00:15:35.560 --> 00:15:36.280 when it comes, 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:37.340 he's full of praise, 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:38.920 he's full of joy. 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:41.300 Let's look at his words 00:15:41.300 --> 00:15:43.740 as he begins to praise God, 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:46.300 to see his faith in action 00:15:46.300 --> 00:15:49.580 as he witnesses for God. 00:15:49.580 --> 00:15:50.680 Sovereign Lord, 00:15:50.780 --> 00:15:51.500 verse 29, 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:53.020 as you have promised, 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:57.660 you now dismiss your servant in peace. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:00.060 Now here is faith. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:03.940 Now that I have seen God's promise kept, 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:07.580 I am ready to be dismissed in peace. 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:09.560 He is ready to die. 00:16:10.300 --> 00:16:13.480 He has seen God's salvation for him. 00:16:14.360 --> 00:16:15.900 He understands by faith 00:16:15.900 --> 00:16:17.240 that in the coming of Jesus, 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:20.120 there is the hope of forgiveness. 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.279 There is the hope of restoration, 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:23.100 reconciliation, 00:16:23.440 --> 00:16:24.340 and eternal life. 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:26.500 There is peace in this child, 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:27.740 in his arms. 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:29.139 And he is ready to die 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:32.639 because he has met God's Christ. 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:36.000 And it's true to say 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:37.720 that anyone who has seen Jesus 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:38.980 with the eyes of faith 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:41.460 is ready to die. 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:43.940 We are ready to meet our maker 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:45.960 if we have faith in Jesus. 00:16:47.540 --> 00:16:49.639 But the flip side is also true. 00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:52.420 If you haven't seen Jesus 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:53.600 with the eyes of faith, 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:55.840 you're not ready to die. 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:58.500 You're not ready to meet your maker. 00:16:59.320 --> 00:16:59.900 And so, 00:17:00.360 --> 00:17:01.820 if that's you, 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:04.220 ask for the gift of faith. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:07.460 Ask for faith to see Jesus 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:09.860 and to turn from sin 00:17:09.860 --> 00:17:11.920 and to trust in him 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.680 as Simeon does. 00:17:15.100 --> 00:17:16.200 There are two things 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.920 that Simeon is a witness to. 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:18.480 First of all, 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.440 he's a witness to the fact 00:17:19.440 --> 00:17:22.180 that Jesus brings salvation. 00:17:23.140 --> 00:17:25.180 Look at verse 30 to 32. 00:17:25.340 --> 00:17:27.440 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.160 which you have prepared 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:30.440 in the sight of all people, 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:32.340 a light for revelation 00:17:32.340 --> 00:17:33.460 to the Gentiles 00:17:33.460 --> 00:17:35.200 and for glory 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:37.380 to your people Israel. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:39.539 Jesus brings salvation. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:41.160 And Simeon announces 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:42.340 this wonderful promise 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:43.600 that it's not just for some, 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:45.420 it's not just even for Israel. 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:47.380 This is a global salvation. 00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:48.980 This is a message to anyone 00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:49.640 and to everyone 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:51.720 who will hear and believe. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:53.579 As Simeon is witness 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:55.000 to the fact that here is Jesus, 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:56.799 he is God's light to the world. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:58.840 He is the glory of God 00:17:58.840 --> 00:17:59.759 in human form 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:00.980 and he reveals to us 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:02.340 the glory of God's plan 00:18:02.340 --> 00:18:03.079 of salvation. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:05.460 That if we are to look to him, 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:08.440 we will be saved. 00:18:09.120 --> 00:18:11.140 And this is a great free gift 00:18:11.140 --> 00:18:12.579 available for everyone 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:14.600 to open, receive, 00:18:14.900 --> 00:18:16.380 and to enjoy. 00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:19.299 Over our Christmas season 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.019 as a church, 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.420 we've been privileged 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:23.380 to be able to support 00:18:23.380 --> 00:18:24.759 the work of Blytheswood. 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:27.500 So some folks have sent shoeboxes 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:30.019 out to Eastern Europe. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:33.380 We were able over last weekend 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:34.280 to support the work 00:18:34.280 --> 00:18:35.380 of local food banks 00:18:35.380 --> 00:18:36.180 here in Edinburgh. 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:37.200 We'll be able to support 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:40.720 the work of crisis at Christmas. 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:43.620 There's a reminder to us 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:45.180 that for some people, 00:18:45.300 --> 00:18:46.740 Christmas is a time of plenty. 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:48.960 Some people get lots, 00:18:49.800 --> 00:18:51.020 but others get little 00:18:51.020 --> 00:18:53.100 or nothing at Christmas. 00:18:53.099 --> 00:18:55.819 It can be one of those points 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:57.500 of sharp distinction 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:59.159 and division 00:18:59.159 --> 00:19:00.199 between the haves 00:19:00.199 --> 00:19:01.740 and the have-nots, 00:19:01.939 --> 00:19:02.939 but not when it comes 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:03.599 to the gospel, 00:19:03.719 --> 00:19:04.240 not when it comes 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:05.559 to the good news of Jesus, 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:07.659 because we're being told 00:19:07.659 --> 00:19:10.439 that Jesus comes for everyone. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:12.299 And the Bible tells us 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:12.939 that he comes 00:19:12.939 --> 00:19:14.759 as a gift of God's grace. 00:19:14.919 --> 00:19:16.119 He comes to us freely 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:17.519 as a gift of God's love. 00:19:17.599 --> 00:19:19.039 So whether we're rich or poor, 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:20.799 whether we're old or young, 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:21.980 whatever country we're from, 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:23.899 this is good news for you 00:19:23.899 --> 00:19:25.419 and for me today 00:19:25.419 --> 00:19:26.980 in this Jesus 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:28.419 and the salvation 00:19:28.419 --> 00:19:30.019 that he brings. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:32.200 And Simeon witnesses to that. 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:34.119 But also, 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:36.740 Simeon witnesses to the reality 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:40.539 that Jesus brings struggle. 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.680 Look at verse 34 and 35. 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:46.399 Then Simeon blessed them 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:49.279 and said to Mary, his mother, 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.920 this child is destined 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:52.539 to cause the falling 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:55.379 and rising of many in Israel 00:19:55.379 --> 00:19:57.119 and to be a sign 00:19:57.119 --> 00:19:58.539 that will be spoken against 00:19:58.539 --> 00:20:00.059 so that the thoughts 00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:01.059 of many hearts 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:01.899 will be revealed 00:20:01.899 --> 00:20:03.759 and a sword 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:06.259 will pierce your own soul too. 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:07.740 So Jesus comes 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.879 as God's light to the world, 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:09.440 but people, 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.960 we're told in John's gospel, 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:11.779 love the darkness 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.779 more than the light. 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.779 People don't want the light 00:20:14.779 --> 00:20:16.279 of God's perfection 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.480 to shine 00:20:17.480 --> 00:20:18.940 in the darkness of our hearts. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:20.299 We don't want to be exposed 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:21.120 and so some people 00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:23.900 walk away from Jesus. 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:26.220 And Simeon is very honest 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:27.080 at the very beginning 00:20:27.080 --> 00:20:27.880 of his life 00:20:27.880 --> 00:20:30.019 to announce that Jesus 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:31.799 is the great divide in history. 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:34.039 Jesus is the great divide 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:36.100 in every human heart. 00:20:36.340 --> 00:20:37.100 That what we do 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:38.140 with this Jesus, 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.200 the baby in the manger 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:39.980 who'll grow up 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.960 to be the Christ on the cross, 00:20:42.360 --> 00:20:45.019 reveals our true character. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:50.039 And so Jesus brings struggle. 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:53.039 His coming and his call, 00:20:53.400 --> 00:20:55.379 his message brings conflict. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.539 It divides people 00:20:56.539 --> 00:20:57.920 into faith and unbelief 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.579 and we see that 00:20:58.579 --> 00:20:59.680 all through his life. 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:00.660 You know, 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:02.180 for every wise man 00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:03.960 who comes to worship Jesus, 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:04.660 gladly, 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.359 there is a religious leader 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:07.879 who stands on the sidelines 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:09.259 doing nothing 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:10.099 or criticizing. 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.160 There's a King Herod 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.519 who wants to get rid of Jesus. 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:14.500 While some cry, 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.339 Hallelujah, 00:21:15.619 --> 00:21:17.059 and see salvation in Jesus, 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.319 others will cry, 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:19.920 Crucify Him. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:21.759 There is faith 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.660 and there is unbelief, 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.420 there is struggle. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:25.500 Jesus said that 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.279 in his own ministry. 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:26.660 He said, 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:28.319 Whoever is not for me, 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.460 whoever is not with me, 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:33.160 is against me. 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.819 I wonder if there's anyone here today 00:21:36.819 --> 00:21:37.480 and you're in the middle 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.720 of that struggle, 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:40.799 beginning to see 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:43.019 the true identity of Jesus, 00:21:43.159 --> 00:21:44.299 that he's not just another man, 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:45.500 he's not just a great teacher, 00:21:46.159 --> 00:21:46.940 that he is, 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:47.259 in fact, 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:48.119 the Son of God, 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.579 that you're beginning 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:51.379 to see his mission, 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.919 his purpose for coming, 00:21:53.659 --> 00:21:54.139 that he's died, 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:55.659 not just to set a good example, 00:21:56.139 --> 00:21:56.879 but he's died 00:21:56.879 --> 00:21:58.279 in the place of sinners 00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:00.539 so that we might be reconciled to God. 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.339 Perhaps you're beginning 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:03.279 to count the cost, 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:05.279 realizing if Jesus is Lord, 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:06.359 then I'm going to need 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.220 to die to self, 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.819 I'm going to die 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:09.460 to making myself number one 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:11.960 in order to live for him. 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:14.019 Jesus brings struggle. 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:15.220 If that's you today, 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:17.180 then don't fight against 00:22:17.180 --> 00:22:18.360 his Lordship, 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:20.440 but rather submit gladly 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.799 and be saved 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:22.819 and find your joy 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:25.519 in living for him. 00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:27.400 Listen to Simeon, 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.700 Simeon who clearly says, 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:29.880 Jesus is more precious 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:30.799 than life itself. 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.740 When I know God 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.960 and God's salvation, 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.039 I'm ready to die. 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:37.600 Speak to other Christians, 00:22:37.599 --> 00:22:37.899 you know, 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.939 why is Jesus worth following? 00:22:40.079 --> 00:22:40.899 Why is it worth 00:22:40.899 --> 00:22:42.099 the struggle 00:22:42.099 --> 00:22:44.099 against sin, 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:45.000 against unbelief, 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:46.179 against pride, 00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:47.539 struggle to submit? 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:51.159 Because we also know 00:22:51.159 --> 00:22:52.419 that Christianity is a battle, 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.399 not just externally 00:22:53.399 --> 00:22:54.240 dividing people, 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.119 but it's also a battle 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:55.779 for our hearts 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.459 and our minds. 00:22:57.659 --> 00:22:58.619 Because the message 00:22:58.619 --> 00:22:59.699 of Jesus uniquely 00:22:59.699 --> 00:23:00.779 among all the religions 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:02.559 says that we're saved 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.839 by God's grace 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:06.199 and not by our merit 00:23:06.200 --> 00:23:06.799 and effort. 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:08.580 Every other religion 00:23:08.580 --> 00:23:10.039 will say you need 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.799 to work hard 00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:12.019 and perform well 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:13.920 and to do certain rituals 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:14.740 and sacrifices 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.860 and perhaps your God 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:17.160 will be pleased with you. 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:21.180 And that suits human pride 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:22.140 because then we can 00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:23.059 earn our salvation. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.100 But that's not the way 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:25.880 Christianity works. 00:23:26.759 --> 00:23:27.900 Christianity is very clear 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:28.980 that we are sinners 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:30.519 who cannot save ourselves. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.779 We cannot be good enough. 00:23:31.880 --> 00:23:32.740 We stand in need 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:34.000 of a rescue 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:35.000 that we cannot provide 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:35.859 in and of ourselves, 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:36.740 but Jesus comes 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:37.700 from outside of us, 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:38.500 from God Himself 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:40.119 to be one of us, 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.779 to save us. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:45.420 So it challenges our pride. 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:48.119 But Jesus also brings 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:48.759 that struggle 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:52.519 against our independence. 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:55.279 It can be hard for us 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:55.779 in our lives 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.559 to submit to God's ways. 00:23:58.420 --> 00:23:59.599 And we might find ourselves 00:23:59.599 --> 00:24:01.160 wanting to sort of 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:02.259 make compartments. 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.759 Jesus can have Sunday. 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:06.259 He can have some family time. 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:06.619 But, you know, 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:07.500 when I'm at work, 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:07.839 you know, 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:08.640 there's difficult decisions 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:09.299 to be made 00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.759 or there's conversations 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.700 that everybody else 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.660 in the office has. 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:13.720 It can be really hard 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:15.160 to submit to following God 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.000 all the time 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:18.039 as He asks. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.140 It can be a struggle 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:21.299 against the sin 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.559 in our own hearts. 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.519 The Apostle Paul 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:25.379 could say, 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:27.359 I know right and wrong 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:27.859 and I know 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:29.599 that I want to follow God, 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.639 but I find that there's 00:24:30.639 --> 00:24:31.599 the other rule 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.199 that's pulling me 00:24:32.199 --> 00:24:33.299 a different direction. 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.459 So I do the things 00:24:34.459 --> 00:24:36.019 that I don't want to do. 00:24:36.699 --> 00:24:37.819 And so there is struggle 00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.959 in our own hearts. 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:39.959 So why go through 00:24:39.959 --> 00:24:40.619 that struggle? 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:41.839 Why not just live 00:24:41.839 --> 00:24:42.719 for our own glory 00:24:42.719 --> 00:24:43.559 rather than living 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:45.000 for the glory of God? 00:24:45.159 --> 00:24:45.939 Why struggle 00:24:45.939 --> 00:24:47.199 to go the way of Jesus 00:24:47.199 --> 00:24:48.000 rather than just 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.719 living our own way? 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:52.740 The key to answering 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.279 that question 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:54.139 is in understanding 00:24:54.139 --> 00:24:55.559 who Jesus is 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.939 and what He has done 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:57.559 for us 00:24:57.559 --> 00:24:59.220 to see Jesus 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.940 with faith, 00:25:00.340 --> 00:25:01.180 to recognize 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.380 that He has left 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.740 glory for you, 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.320 that He's entered 00:25:05.320 --> 00:25:06.440 a suffering world 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:07.100 for you. 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.700 He has lived 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.860 in perfect obedience 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:11.180 for you. 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:12.120 He will go under 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.799 the sword 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:14.100 of God's judgment 00:25:14.100 --> 00:25:16.320 for you 00:25:16.320 --> 00:25:18.480 to see that He 00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:20.200 will be pierced 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:21.820 in order to bring 00:25:21.820 --> 00:25:23.860 us peace. 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:27.399 Simeon then 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:28.759 is presented 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:29.279 to us 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:30.099 as a man 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:30.740 of faith, 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:31.779 waiting, 00:25:32.479 --> 00:25:32.799 hoping 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:34.079 in God's 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:34.939 promised Savior 00:25:34.939 --> 00:25:35.919 and when that 00:25:35.919 --> 00:25:36.639 Savior comes 00:25:36.639 --> 00:25:37.399 he praises 00:25:37.399 --> 00:25:38.719 joyfully. 00:25:39.419 --> 00:25:40.459 I wonder this morning 00:25:40.459 --> 00:25:41.159 do we see 00:25:41.159 --> 00:25:41.959 in Jesus 00:25:41.959 --> 00:25:43.379 God's promise 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:43.979 kept? 00:25:44.139 --> 00:25:44.759 Do we see 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.839 in Jesus 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:47.740 God's great gift? 00:25:48.079 --> 00:25:49.319 And by faith 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:49.839 are we 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.679 waiting 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:51.679 on Him? 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:52.699 Waiting 00:25:52.700 --> 00:25:53.620 for His 00:25:53.620 --> 00:25:54.440 promised 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.100 return 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:56.559 when salvation 00:25:56.559 --> 00:25:56.960 will be 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:57.460 finally 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.480 completed? 00:26:00.080 --> 00:26:00.700 And are we 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.240 sharing 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:02.200 the wonder 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:02.940 of God 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:03.860 sending Jesus 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:04.500 with others? 00:26:05.640 --> 00:26:06.200 Are we 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:06.620 sharing 00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:07.420 the good news 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.259 that we have? 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.039 Well may God 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:10.680 give us all 00:26:10.680 --> 00:26:11.240 the ability 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:12.000 to see 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:13.519 as Simeon 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:13.940 saw, 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:16.019 to see 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:17.240 where Jesus 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.019 fits in the 00:26:18.019 --> 00:26:18.840 great story 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:19.380 of God's 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:20.460 plan of salvation 00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.120 and to see 00:26:21.120 --> 00:26:21.600 Jesus 00:26:21.600 --> 00:26:23.160 as hope 00:26:23.160 --> 00:26:24.640 for the 00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:24.980 world? 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:26.100 And to see 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:26.620 Jesus 00:26:26.620 --> 00:26:27.160 as hope 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:44.920 for the world.