Heaven to Mankind, Here's Comfort, Luke 2:25, Comfort, Consolation of Israel, | Debbie Taylor Williams

MINISTRY NEWS: Our UpLIFT Minute devotional continues to be aired Monday through Friday on KSLR , during 8:55-8:59 am and again later in the day, as well as on KCYR Kerrville. This is a perfect fit with Hill Country Ministries’ mission to spread the Word and love of Jesus. Please pray it reaches many and encourages and equips them to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for any who hears it who is not a Christian, that they respond and be saved. Thank you for partnering with us not only with your donations but also with your prayers. If you would like UpLIFT aired on the radio station in your city, send us a note with the name of the station and program manager. Or, email me at [email protected].

It’s possible that you’ve not heard Jesus referred to as the “Consolation of Israel.” But isn’t it exciting to learn the various ways God has chosen to reveal Himself to us earthlings? We find this description of Jesus in Luke 2:25. “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.” Why would “Consolation of Israel” be a reference to Jesus? Because the Rabbis spoke of the coming Messiah as the “consoler,” the One who would bring comfort to Israel. So when Simeon saw the infant Jesus being presented in the temple, he knew he was seeing the long-awaited Messiah. Can you image the lump is his throat, the pounding in his chest, perhaps the joy filled tears in his eyes? The soaring elation? Jesus is the Consolation of Israel, but He is also the consoler of anyone who turns to Him. Are we as Simeon? Elated, heart pounding, joy filled that we have Jesus, the long awaited Messiah as our Messiah, that our future is secure and He is present with us no matter what we’re experiencing? Today, if you are hurting, are filled with angst, are perhaps overwhelmed, or struggling with loneliness, grasp hold of your Messiah. He is with you, for you, loves you, and present to console you. Rest in His arms. Open His Word. Know that whatever you’re going through, He’ll be by your side to walk through it with you day by day. Be consoled.

Lord Jesus Christ, CONSOLATION of ISRAEL and consolation of all who call on You, we praise and worship You. There is no one who comforts our soul like You do.

*http://goo.gl/v21nLj