A Thrill of Hope

12/01/24 – 12/04/24

Holy Expectations

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/01/24

Read Luke 2:22-35.

In Luke 2, we read about a man from Jerusalem named Simeon. He was not a famous preacher, scholar, evangelist, or theologian, but he was faithful and devout. He watched and waited for the Messiah, of course, but God had also given this humble no-name a personal promise: He would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Anointed One. After seeing baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace” (Luke 2:29).

“Now dismiss your servant”—this simple prayer of trust in God has impacted millions upon millions throughout history. It’s easy to think there was something special about Simeon. But the Truth is he was simply a man who exercised his faith, and each of us has the opportunity to believe, just as Simeon did. In fact, many of the great revivals in history were ignited by nameless but faithful people. Simeon’s story is powerful because he wasn’t disappointed. He did not set unrealistic expectations in powers that couldn’t fulfill his deepest longings. He didn’t set his hope in Rome or even Jerusalem. He didn’t place his hope in politicians or the economy. He didn’t even set his hope in his own righteousness and devotion to God. His expectations were realistic because they were rooted in the only one who never fails to keep His promises: the Lord Almighty.

God has given you some precious promises, too—promises that you can watch and wait for with faithful anticipation. There are general promises that believers can claim such as “I will come back and take you to be with me” (John 14:3), and promises attached to a certain condition, such as “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). And there are personal promises. With these, we must be sure we are listening to God with all our heart and mind lest we deceive ourselves and confuse our voice with God’s.

Simeon trusted in the highest promise of God—that He would save—and he held onto it. So when God met both the personal promise that Simeon would see God’s salvation and the general promise of Christ’s coming, Simeon was able to say, “Now I can be released from sentinel duty. I can depart in peace.” When your expectations rest on the promises of God in His Word, you will never be disappointed.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your Son that first Christmas. Thank You for the example of Simeon, who trusted in Your promises, looked for Your Messiah, and was rewarded with Your peace. May I too have such faith. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, . . .” (Luke 2:29-30).