OUR DAILY BREAD : WAITING IN HOPE

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February 10 | Bible in a Year: Leviticus 8-10; Matthew 25:31-46

Waiting in Hope


READ LUKE 2:25–35
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Simeon . . . was righteous and devout. He was waiting
for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Luke 2:25
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In the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, a college professor befriended a stray Akita puppy named Hachi. The dog expressed his loyalty by waiting at the train station each day for the professor to return from work. One day, the professor suffered a fatal stroke. Hachi waited hours at the train station, and for the next ten years he returned each day—awaiting His loving master.
Luke tells the story of a man named Simeon who patiently waited for the coming of his Master (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah (v. 26). As a result, Simeon kept waiting for the One who would provide “salvation” for God’s people (v. 30). When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus, the Holy Spirit whispered to Simeon that He was the One! The wait was finally over! Simeon held Christ in his arms—the hope, salvation, and comfort for all people (vv. 28-32).

If we find ourselves in a season of waiting, may we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah with fresh ears: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). As we await Jesus’ return, He provides the hope and strength we need for each new day.
By Marvin Williams
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**REFLECT & PRAY
Jesus, I will wait for You. Through pain, tears, and uncertainty, help me to not become weary but to rest in Your provision. For hope in the storms of life, read Clinging to Hope in the Storm.

~~When have you become weary as you waited for God? What encouraged you to endure during that challenging season?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SCRIPTURE INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Simeon had one clear characteristic: he was in tune with the Spirit. Luke 2 says “the Holy Spirit was on him” (v. 25). The Spirit had revealed that he wouldn’t die before he’d seen Jesus (v. 26) and moved him to go to the temple courts (v. 27). The surrounding verses also reveal the power of the Spirit in his life. The description of Simeon as being “righteous and devout” (v. 25) is connected to the Spirit being on him; and his recognition of Jesus, his song of praise, and his words to Mary and Joseph (vv. 29-35) came though the Spirit. J.R. Hudberg

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