HOLY SPIRIT LEADINGS ~ A GOD PONDERING
by Nancy Lawshae
Luke 2:25 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 upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 2 9 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
It struck me last night just how important it is to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, to be listening to the Holy Spirit, and obey the Holy Spirit’s urgings. Consider how the Lord was able to use Simeon and how Simeon was able to realize the completion of the Holy Spirit’s assurance to him that he would not die before he had seen the Christ. What if Simeon was in a really grouchy mood the day Mary and Joseph came to the temple to present Christ. What if Simeon had decided to walk in the flesh and not pay attention to the Holy Spirit that day? My goodness, we all have bad days. Could Simeon have missed the fulfillment of his desire to see The Christ if he had made himself unavailable to the Holy Spirit’s leading that day?
I just have to wonder if we sometimes miss the fulfillment of a prayer request or a Spiritual growth moment because we choose to step into the flesh for a bit and not listen to the Holy Spirit or follow the Holy Spirit urgings. And then when it appears our prayers are going unanswered, we cry out to the Lord asking why he is not listening to us or answering our prayers! But in fact, the Lord is answering every prayer and petition – yes, no, later…. We were the one to turn off the communication power for the moment and so it takes more time for us to get back to where the Lord wants us before He will manifest that revelation in our lives.
It’s like the Lord telling the Israelites, “Okay Israelites, here’s the Promised Land, but let’s take 40 year lap around again so you can work on that rebellion thing.” We can get all the revelations the Lord has for us, but for all that revelation knowledge to be realized, we must listen to and obey the Holy Spirit’s leadings.
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon – the Holy Spirit revealed a promise to Simeon – the Holy Spirit moved him into the temple courts on the right day and the exact moment in time….. Promise Fulfilled!
Stay tuned in to the Holy Spirit dear friends! I’m praying we will all listen to and obey the Holy Spirit even during this most wonderful and yet distracting season of our lives. There is much the Lord wants to reveal and fulfill in each of us!
Blessings to my sweet sisters in Christ!