THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

Simeon was waiting for the One who would bring consolation and comfort to the nation of Israel. He understood that the comfort that Messiah would bring would not be at the expense of dealing with the rebellion and sin of which the nation was guilty. Simeon lived close to God; we read that ‘the Holy Ghost was upon him’, Luke 2. 25. He was aware that the coming Messiah would suffer in order that He might bring about salvation. He tells Mary, in Luke 2. 35, that she would suffer personally, as if a sword pierced her soul.

Simeon’s prayer reveals a great deal about his spiritual maturity and understanding. We can see that he appreciated that Jesus is the Messiah, the salvation of God. That salvation is for all people, and many in Israel will be stumbled at a sign concerning this child.

This title of the Lord is also implied in the Old Testament where it states ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God’, Isa. 40.1. Even in that context, the comfort only comes as a result of drastic changes in the landscape of the nation. The high would be brought low, the lowly exalted, the crooked made straight and the rough places smooth. John the Baptist would herald the arrival of the ‘Consolation of Israel’.

What of today? The nation has not yet enjoyed the rest that God intends for them. This rest is only possible through the ‘Consolation of Israel’, and the work He accomplished at Calvary. The future day of reality for Israel is expressed by Daniel in chapter 9 verse 24 when, at the end of the 70th week of prophecy, transgression is finished, there is an end of sins, reconciliation has been made for iniquity and everlasting righteousness has been brought in. Only then will they know the full blessing of His eternal comfort and consolation.

Where do we fit in? The Lord Jesus was the personal comforter to the disciples during His life on earth. When He was announcing His departure He promised to send them ‘another Comforter’, John 14. 16. The other comforter is the Holy Spirit; He came to abide with us forever. Believers today enjoy the ‘Consolation of Israel’ through the work of the Holy Spirit.