‘THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL’
‘Simeon … waiting for the consolation of Israel.’
A very precious title of our Lord. Simeon, who was ‘waiting for the consolation of Israel,’ was satisfied in receiving Christ.
I. What is consolation?—It is the comfort whereby we are held up against spiritual evil. It is faith (Luke 1:47). This was St. Paul’s comfort (2 Timothy 1:12). It is hope (Romans 15:13). This was Abraham’s comfort (Romans 4:18). It is love (Php_1:9). This was St. Peter’s comfort (John 21:17). It is joy and peace in believing, and this is the comfort of all the faithful (Romans 5:1; Romans 5:11). It is, in fact, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
II. Is the Lord Jesus Christ all this to the soul?—Yes, indeed He is (Psalms 4:6-7; Php_4:19). He brings all that is precious to the souls of His people. Every spiritual blessing is wrapt up in Him (Ephesians 1:3). Is sin a burden? (Romans 7:24-25). Is pardon needed? (Romans 8:1). Is righteousness required? (Jeremiah 23:6). Are we longing for acceptance with God? (Ephesians 1:6). Is Satan tempting? (Luke 22:32). Christ meets every want. He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). Our hope (Colossians 1:27).
III. Is this true for every one?—I fear there are many who find no consolation in Christ now (Proverbs 1:24-25; Isaiah 48:18; Matthew 23:37; John 5:40) who will find none in Him hereafter (Revelation 6:16). But He is still the consolation of every one that believeth (John 5:24; John 3:16; Isaiah 55:1-2; Revelation 3:18; Revelation 7:14-17).
Why, then, should you and I not go to Him boldly, and ask Him ‘mercifully to look upon our infirmities’? He is qualified to help and defend us in everything (Matthew 7:16-17; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 5:1-2). He is given by God to be our comfort (Ephesians 2:14; Acts 10:36). Let us not be deluded by the passing comfort which Satan can supply (Luke 6:24; Luke 16:25). Jesus only is the true consolation of His people.
—Bishop Rowley Hill.