Devotions this week based on Come Home Week 5 – PURPOSE (WATCH HERE)
Luke 2:25–32 (NIV) 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 courts. When 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 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.”
We are very good at measuring life. We count birthdays, track milestones, mark accomplishments, and quietly compare ourselves to others. We ask questions like, How long will I live? What have I achieved? Did I make the most of my time? Scripture invites us to ask a better question: For whom am I living?
Simeon helps reframe how we think about purpose. Luke tells us that Simeon was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. He was not described by his career, his status, or even his age. He was known for waiting—waiting with hope rooted in God’s promise. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Messiah before he died, and Simeon trusted that promise even as the days passed.
When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, Simeon recognized what others easily missed. This was not just another child. This was God’s salvation in human flesh. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, declaring that he could now depart in peace. His purpose was fulfilled, not because his life was long or impressive, but because God kept His promise.
Simeon’s story is a beautiful picture of justification by faith. Simeon did not achieve peace; he received it. Peace came not from his devotion or his waiting, but from holding Christ. The same is true for us. Our purpose is not earned by how well we live, how productive we are, or how much we accomplish. Our purpose is given to us in Christ.
Psalm 90:12 reminds us to number our days, not so we panic or strive harder, but so we gain a heart of wisdom. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That wisdom is knowing that our lives are not ultimately about us. As Paul says in Philippians, “For to me, to live is Christ.” Christ is not just part of life; He is our life. Everything else, work, family, success, even suffering, finds its meaning in Him.
As you look toward a new year, consider one simple practice that keeps Christ at the center—daily Scripture reading, regular prayer, worship, or intentional conversations about faith. These do not create purpose; they keep us connected to the One who does.
Reflection:
What currently defines success in my life?
How would my days look different if Christ truly defined my purpose?
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to number my days with wisdom. Free me from measuring my worth by time, productivity, or success. Fix my eyes on Christ, my salvation and peace. As I wait, help me trust Your promises and live faithfully where You have placed me. Amen.