And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him." (Luke 2:25)

The word “parakalesis” means comfort or encouragement.  Here the word is included in a title to describe the long-awaited Messiah, the comfort of Israel.

For forty days, a woman was considered unclean after the birth of a child.  Having completed the days of purification, Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice for Mary.

There was a man whose name was Simeon who received Jesus and his parents at the temple. The scripture states that he was waiting for the “consolation of Israel”. God promised he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

The Jews believed they were God's chosen people. They believed they were destined to be relieved of the oppression of other nations. They longed for their champion warrior to arrive from heaven and to lead them to world prominence.

However, there were a minority of Jews who may have viewed the mission of the Messiah differently.  Simeon may have been among the few. He knew by special communication from God that he would see the Messiah, and having witnessed the promised King, he was ready with joy to die.

The comfort that Jesus brought was far different from what the Jews sought. New Testament writers also speak of a consolation connected to Christ; of a comfort in times of affliction (2 Corinthians 1:5-7), of a consolation connected to God’s immutable counsel (Hebrews 6:17-20), of an everlasting consolation (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

In the same context Simeon also summarizes the work of the Messiah (vs. 34). Christ would cause some to fall and some to rise. One thing for certain with Jesus man must make a decision. With Christ there is no neutrality. Fortunately, those who choose Christ can be filled with satisfying joy and comfort.
 

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. (Romans 6:17)

The Greek word,  hupakuo (obey) means to listen, to attend, and so to submit or obey.  Literally, the word means “to hear under.”  Jesus used this same word in John 10:27:  "My sheep hear My voice (listen submissively), and I know them, and they follow Me (they walk beside me). (John 10:27)  The imagery is of one sitting at the feet of a master with the intent to follow.  These verses imply a choice was made of one master over another.

Consider the two potential paths.  One may yield to the motions of either “sin unto death” or of “obedience unto righteousness”.  There is no middle course.  We are enlisted in one or the other.  One is mistaken if he thinks this is a choice to be trifled with!  Sin can become a grievous taskmaster.  This master comes in various forms- love of money, pride, love of pleasure, or selfish ambitions.  The result is degradation of the soul.

The apostle is thankful that his readers have chosen righteousness over sin.  They have obeyed a “mold of doctrine” delivered to them.  He refers them back to the time of baptism when they buried the sinful man and committed their lives to Jesus.  Christ has won their hearts.  In this new life true freedom is realized.  Every duty, every area of life is patterned after the life of Christ.    Every action guided by the motive of love.

The choice of yielding to righteousness is met with thanksgiving to God.  There is no denial that sin brings its pleasure, but the difference between sin and righteousness is as different as darkness is to light.  Thank God they chose Jesus!  He is the only one that offers hope now and forever. 

George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”  (Prov. 14:12)
 
In 1954 two doctors developed that magic pill that would prevent conception.  Since that time millions of women have taken the birth control pill to prevent pregnancy.  Because of such strides in science and medicine, many now reason that we have been freed from the taboos of the past.  Today’s illusion is that it is possible to live whatever lifestyle I choose without fear of the consequences.  Unwanted pregnancies can be prevented or aborted and venereal disease controlled.
 
Such reasoning is indeed an illusion!  It ignores the real effect of sinful conduct.  God made this world with certain inherent consequences of violating his laws.  See Romans 1:21-28.  The high rate of teenage suicide has been traced to the conflict between lifestyle and inner convictions of right and wrong.  Abortion leaves a scar of guilt on the girl who chooses it.  And there are the incurable strains of venereal disease and AIDS.  Drugs and alcohol can destroy a person’s body and mind.  Mental hospitals are filled with those who have allowed jealousy and bitterness to overwhelm them.  Many health problems directly correlate to the way people behave.

Not all of the suffering in our time is the direct result of sin, but much of it is. In the jails are wasted lives.  In the morgues are those killed in accidents related to alcohol.  There are victims of rape who were in the wrong places with the wrong people.  And hospitals are filled with those who have AIDS because of promiscuous lifestyles.
 
The laws of God deal with behavior.  The Bible is the Creator’s user’s manual.  His laws are “for our good always”.  (Deuteronomy 7:15) When we violate them, we not only lose the “good”, but we suffer the consequences.  Society’s problems can only be solved by self-discipline and right conduct.  

By George Slover

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch was flourishing. It is often thought that the church in Jerusalem was the model church. However, the church in Antioch of Syria also provides a great example of a lively, God pleasing church.

The city of Antioch of Syria was founded in 301 BC during the Grecian period. It was named after Antiochus. Scholars tell us it was a city that allowed for a free expression of religion. Thus, the atmosphere was ripe for the enlargement of the gospel. Luke records:  "But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus." (Acts 11:20)

The church in Antioch was blessed with several gifted leaders. Five are specifically noted here. While every local church should be guided by the message of the Holy Spirit, this seems to be strikingly so at Antioch. These gifted leaders were zealously ministering to the Lord. The result is recorded by Luke:  "And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:24)  "So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)

All of this activity would ultimately manifest itself in a work that would extend beyond Antioch. "Separate me" is from the Greek word which means to separate for a special purpose, and to a work for which they have been prepared. Paul and Barnabas would be sent to share the gospel of Christ with the Gentile world.  This separation took place after fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands. These were symbols of how solemn the work. Their ministry was not self-serving. With a high and noble purpose, they parted to do the work facing even perils along the way.

Just what was the purpose of this work? That others may know the love of God. That they may believe and obey Christ for the remission of sin. That they might lead righteous lives for God. May we look to the great work at Antioch, with an intent to emulate these zealous disciples.

By George Slover