In Luke 2:25-33 we see the response of a devout Jewish man who was truly looking and waiting for the Messiah of Israel!
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 27 And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law, 28 [Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, 29 And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. 30 For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation, 31 Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples, 32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel. 33 And His [legal] father and [His] mother were marveling at what was said about Him.
All through His earthly ministry Jesus came to people who believed and were waiting for Him, like Simeon (and Anna), and those who did not and were not! When Jesus spoke so harshly to the religious leaders in Matthew 28, it was because they were pretending to be devout, but many of them were NOT! Those who were recognized the Spirit in and upon Jesus and followed Him (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea)! It is exactly the same now! Some who claim to know Him, have never known Him at all! Following a certain religion, creed, doctrine or tradition will NOT do it! We must SEEK to know Him Who is revealed in all of creation. When we recognize our total inadequacy to be consistently 'good", then we will realize that we truly DO need a personal Savior. When we believe the Gospel message, THEN we can receive HIM and begin the very exciting, and never ending journey of KNOWING Him (Philippians 3:10)! Then YOU will also recognize the "signs of the times", and that we are most definitely living IN the "times of the signs"! Soon and very soon! Here, to encourage you in YOUR quest to know Him, is Hillsong United with "To Know Your Name":
Shalom in Him!
