Rise With Jesus, Fall Without Him

Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courtsWhen the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,  you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles  and for glory to your people Israel." 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 

Simeon was a remarkable man whom the Bible calls "righteous and devout." We don't know much about Simeon beyond this text, but it is clear that he had a very significant role in the plan of God. Not only was he the priest who consecrated our Lord Jesus when he was eight days old, God used him to confirm the purpose for Christ's coming and to further establish His earthly authority and purpose.

Simeon was also a man of extraordinary faith and sensitivity to the Spirit of God. He heard the Spirit tell him that he would not die until he saw the Lord's Christ, or Messiah. Simeon was a profoundly spiritual man who understood that Jesus came to bring salvation, light to the Gentiles, and glory to the people of Israel. Interestingly, in a time when Gentiles were not regarded with favor among Jews, Simeon recognized that the Savior came to save all people, Jews and Gentiles.

Simeon also told Mary that Jesus was destined to "cause the falling and rising of many in Israel." Simeon could not know what we know today about Jesus. Today, we know that Jesus not only changes hearts and lives, but His coming even changed how we reckon time. We recognize history in terms of B.C. "Before Christ" and A.D. "Anno Domini," Latin for "In the year of our Lord.

Simply stated, Jesus changes everything! He is Lord of all!

What people do with Jesus determines if they rise or if they fall. Those who receive Jesus and follow God’s Word will rise and thrive! Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:5-7)

People who neglect Jesus, even though they may be famous, talented, influential, or wealthy, are destined to fall. Success cannot only be measured in natural terms. True success is found in rising with Jesus Christ.

Are you ready to rise? Do you know people who are falling down? Jesus can make them rise again!