The Best Consolation Prize

The Best Consolation Prize

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”

Luke 2:25-32

Christ has been born, it is now time for His dedication in the temple as was customary. Simeon, a godly man was anxiously awaiting the Savior, the Consolation of Israel…

Jesus Christ

Our Consolation as well.  Notice that the letter “C” in the word Consolation is capitalized? That is because it is a name. A name for Jesus Christ. Anyone can console, but only One is Consolation.

When studying the definition in Webster’s 1828 dictionary here is what I found:

Consolation:

~ Comfort

~Alleviation of misery

~Alleviation of distress of mind

~Refreshment of mind and spirits

~A comparative degree of happiness in distress or misfortune springing from any circumstances that abates or beats down evil

Let’s put  “Jesus is…” before each definition. Wow! Jesus is even more than we thought!

~So, how can we have that Consolation?

If we look at Simeon as an example, here is what we find:

He was just

He was devout

The Holy Spirit was upon him

The Holy Spirit revealed truths to Him

He was willing to be led by the Holy Spirit

What a wonderful example of obedience and surrendering our will for Him!

When I first read “Came by the Holy Spirit” the picture that stood out in my mind was the Holy Spirit holding our hand and guiding us. If we can just let go of our wants and desires and be in one accord with Him, how can we go wrong?

Now,

~How can we bring that comfort and Consolation to others?

Again, we can look to the example set by Simeon and also by….

Pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Ladies, if we continue to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus we can show others how much they need Him and His love for them.

Often, this time of year when most are celebrating, there are those who have no one to celebrate with, those who have lost a loved one, those who are ill or in despair. Let’s be encouraged in our goal, in our walk with the Lord to be led by His Spirit to reach out to those who need Him oh so desperately. To give them the Consolation they need.

There is only one Consolation and that is Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the Lover of our souls.

Our Prayer:

Oh Heavenly Father, You are more than gracious with us, loving us so much that You were willing to send Your Beautiful Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. We thank You for the Indescribable Gift You have blessed us with. True Consolation. True Peace. True Love. Father we ask that You would speak to our hearts, that Your Holy Spirit would lead us in reaching those that do not yet know You. Father we ask that souls would be won for Your kingdom. We pray this in Your Precious Son Jesus’ Name…Amen!