Praying for Spiritual Health

Scripture: 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

Observation: Simeon is in Jerusalem, and in faith he is "waiting for the Consolation of Israel". This seems to not be like a prophet who receives the word of God about an event (like he does in assuring him he will see Messiah). Instead, this is like one who understands the words of other prophets, and in prayer and obedience is awaiting the fulfillment of the prophesy.

However, this phrase - the Consolation of Israel - is interesting. "Consolation" is similar to "comforter", which is itself the name used by Jesus not for himself, but for the Holy Spirit. Therefore, while Simeon believes he will get to see Messiah before he dies, it may not be for the coming of Messiah that he prays. Instead, he may be praying for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Israel.

There are many who believe that the Holy Spirit was abnormally quiet in the restored Israel during the intertestamentary period of about 500 BC to the start of John the Baptist's ministry around 25 AD. The prophecies about Messiah agreed he would be introduced by a re-awakening, ushered in by a new Elijah, full of the Holy Spirit.

Simeon knows that Messiah will not really comfort Israel. He himself refers to the mission to reconcile the Gentiles, cause many in Israel to fall, and the painful future death of Jesus. Therefore, again while Simeon has been promised a glimpse of Messiah, it seems that his daily devout prayers and hope is to see the reawakening of the Holy Spirit in Israel.

Application: We are in a unique time in history. A disease has brought the entire world to a screeching halt. I hear stories of hopelessness and despair from many crippled with fear. While I know God is in control, I also know that our world and our nation has turned away from God. These "birth pangs" are one way God is reminding the world to turn to him.

I would pray for such a reawakening in our land. I see pastors full of the Holy Spirit delivering the message of truth to many in this fearful time. I hope I see those far from God receive that truth, consider their relationship with the creator of the universe, and seek Jesus.

Unlike Simeon, I have not received any promise that I will witness any specific person or event. However, like Simeon, I can pray and fast for a revival of the Holy Spirit ... for the Consolation of the United States.

Prayer: Lord, there are so, so many people living is fear and increasing isolation, both physically and emotionally. May this be a time not of distress, but of hope, not of loss, but of victory. Lord, I desire to see this disease usher in a time of spiritual health throughout my community, my town, my region, my nation, and the world. Amen.