Promise

In Luke chapter 2 there is a remarkable man of God, Simeon, he was given a promise from the Holy Spirit. Then the Holy Spirit gave Joseph and Mary some promised through Simeon.  Lastly, Simeon gave Israel and us some promises.

“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. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35

The promise to bring revelation [light] to the gentiles through the gospel precedes the promise to be the glory of His people Israel.  The former has been being fulfilled for 2,000 years.  The latter is being fulfilled before our very eyes.

In order to reaffirm this promise Simeon speaks of this Child as destined for “the fall and rising” of many in Israel. After the birth and nascent phases of the early church, the gospel began moving away from the Jews and reaching the gentiles.  This was the period of “falling.” But as Romans 11:11-12 says, “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.  Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!”  We are now in the time of the rising, the restoration, the fulfillment, and the lead up the salvation of Israel.  Aliyah is key to this fulfillment.