What Jesus Did! 'Led by the Spirit' — Luke 2:25-28

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.
— Luke 2:25-28 NLT

Key Thought

Simeon was a great figure of Old Testament devotion - he was righteous and devout. He was also a great figure of what came to be New Testament devotion - filled with the Holy Spirit, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and led by the Holy Spirit. In this blending of both old and new, we find something fresh, vital, and life-changing: people whose hearts were fully committed to honoring God while acknowledging that their power to be holy came from the Holy Spirit. Like Simeon, let's make sure we take up the new and not neglect the old. God wants us to be filled with a holy passion for him, his Kingdom, and his hope!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit given to me when I became a Christian. I pray that my heart will seek after you and your ways passionately. However, dear Father, I know that my best efforts are not enough. I need the power and leading of your Spirit to be all that you want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Titus 3:3-8
  • Romans 8:5-11
  • Galatians 5:22-25

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16 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Spirit's Moment
Devo: God's Holy Fire
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"It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah."
Righteously and Devoutly Waiting
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"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him."
On Tiptoes with Angels
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Christmas, like the coming of Jesus, is about waiting! Phil Ware begins a five-part series on Jesus at Christmas. This week is focused on waiting for Jesus to come.
See All 16 Related Resources about Luke 2:25-28

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:25-28 NLT — The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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