Right Where God Wants You

“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

When Luke introduces Simeon, he invites us to stop and behold—to slow down and truly take in what God is doing. After centuries of silence, God is moving again, and Simeon steps onto the scene as a quiet but powerful reminder of what it looks like to wait well. Scripture describes him as “just and devout” (Luke 2:25, NKJV)—a man righteous before God and reverent in his walk. He wasn’t famous. He wasn’t a priest. He was simply faithful. And what was he doing? He was waiting for “the Consolation of Israel,” a Messianic title rooted in promises like Isaiah 40:1–2, where God speaks comfort to His people. Simeon lived with anticipation—longing for the One who would bring forgiveness, joy, and rest to a weary nation.

But Simeon wasn’t waiting alone. Luke tells us “the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Before Pentecost, the Spirit did not permanently indwell believers, but He came upon certain people for certain purposes—just as He did with Joshua (Numbers 27:18), Gideon (Judges 6:34), and Samson. Simeon stands in that same line of Spirit-led servants. God placed His hand on this humble man because He had something to reveal. The Spirit stirred his heart, guided his steps, and prepared him to recognize the Messiah when He appeared. Simeon’s life reminds us that God delights to use ordinary, obedient people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

The One Simeon had waited for—the true Consolation—was placed in his arms. Every promise, every prophecy, every longing was fulfilled in Jesus. Simeon’s story teaches us that God keeps His word, that waiting is never wasted, and that the Holy Spirit still leads those who listen. Like Simeon, we must remain faithful. Stay devout. Stay expectant. The same God who led Simeon to Jesus will lead you exactly where you need to be.

“‘Righteous’ denotes his relationship to God… ‘Devout’ denotes Simeon in his life of sanctification. Simeon was a conscientious and faithful believer.” – Charles Ellicott