The Consolation of Israel

Out of the blue yesterday my brother wrote to ask about my "Religious Views" item listed on my Facebook profile. It's been there a while and is intended as a conversation starter. Andy is the first to mention it.

The statements reads:

" 'Waiting for the consolation of Israel' Luke 2:25 (feel free to ask me about this one)"

This post is essentially what I jotted down in response to his inquiry:

The old man Simeon was (along with many at that time) "waiting for the consolation of Israel." This is a reference to the long awaited Messiah, the Christ. Based on scripture (Daniel, primarily) the Jews believed it was time for their deliverer to come. Scripture and history tell us that others had lead uprisings but no one had come as the Son of David to establish Israel over all their enemies (Rome at this point). Even the Kings from the east followed His star - the times were known to those who had a heart to know. Simeon was one of those and the Holy Ghost revealed to him "that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ." The spirit led Simeon to the temple the day and time that Mary and Joseph brought the eight-day-old baby. Simeon knew that the baby Jesus was God's "salvation" - "the Lord's Christ."



The reason I am waiting for the consolation of Israel is because "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." John 1:11. As Simeon said, "this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel." All but a remnant of Israel rejected their Messiah when He came to them. They demanded that he be crucified and took His blood upon them and their children as an oath or curse.
This was according to the devine plan. Jesus was set for their fall - which has happened - but He is also set for the "rising again of many in Israel." This is yet to come, when He sits on the throne of David as King of the Jews and as King of all Kings.

Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews and yet called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. He spent his life fulfilling Simeon's words (which are throughout the Old Testament as well) that Jesus was to be "a light to lighten the gentiles, and (then) the glory of thy people Israel." Paul taught (Romans 9,10 & 11) that because of the Jews initial unbelief and rejection of Messiah, the Gospel was sent to the gentiles. He also wrote that as gentiles embracing their Messiah, we would move unbelieving Israel to belief - and that "all Israel will be saved".

The "consolation" that Israel rejected - Jesus - has been offered to you and me, but God is not finished yet with Israel. Jesus is still set for the rising again of many in Israel. And as Paul taught (also in Romans 9 thru 11) their restoration coincides with "life from the dead" for the rest of us. It comes at the end, at that "last day" when Jesus will resurrect all that are His.


Here is the passage from Luke 2:

25 And, behold , there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost,that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said ,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold , this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;