INTRODUCTION: Many are afraid of hoping, that they might fall into the clutches of despair. Nietzsche—“Hope is the most evil of all evils” Literary despair and technological optimism. We have better houses, but not better homes.
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL: Refers to a new salvation and restoration; a new and greater Exodus under God’s Messiah and a final atonement. Then God will redeem Israel as the church of the new covenant, God’s people, the covenant household; a kingdom of justice, peace and holiness. Jesus, Moses and Elijah spoke about his “exodus” which is the Greek word also used for departure or death. The second Exodus begins. Luke then recounts the Passion. These two summarized the OT life and religion.
SIMEON’S FAITH AND HOPE, GOD’S FAITHFULNESS: The prophesy to him fell in a period of prophetic silence for hundreds of years. It was a low point in Israel’s history. Luke 2:22. Jesus brought to be consecrated to the service of the Lord. He holds the Child many godly people had longed for. His words of faith are now sung in liturgies around the world every day. He testifies to God’s faithful word. He holds God’s salvation, all that we need in Christ. Yet this child would be mocked and despised, his name used as a cuss word.
PRESENT AND FUTURE HOPE IN CHRIST: Our hope looks to our horizon, “He shall come again!” Our hope spans the grave. We are pilgrims to a heavenly city, but not alone. The Holy Spirit was poured out to aid us.
OTHER VERSES: Proverbs 13:12, Hebrews 6:19, Colossians 1:27, Isaiah 40:1-3, Revelation 21:1-4, Luke 9:28-32, Leviticus 25:10, Luke 4:18, Isaiah 61:1-4, 1 Corinthians, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:7 |
