God's Holy Fire: 'Revealed by the Spirit'

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.
— Luke 2:26 NIV

Key Thought

I do not know how the Spirit's revelation to Simeon was accomplished. Nevertheless, I am thankful for God's grace in giving this revelation to him. Simeon was such a wonderful and strong man of character. In his old age, he was given this special grace because God had sustained him through a special promise from the Holy Spirit. The promise to Simeon reminds me of another promise about God's sustaining us: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). The Spirit of God not only renews and sustain us; the Holy Spirit also transforms us to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18; Titus 3:5).

Today's Prayer

O Father, I don't just want to grow older; I want to be transformed to be more and more like Jesus. Fill me and mold me and empower me by your Holy Spirit as I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Led by the Spirit
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was..."
The Spirit's Moment
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"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 on him. It....."
On Tiptoes with Angels
Article by Phil Ware
Christmas, like the coming of Jesus, is about waiting! Phil Ware begins a five-part series on Jesus at Christmas. This week is focused on waiting for Jesus to come.
Dedicated to God
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, As you begin your New Year, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to honor Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Be....."
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 2:26

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:26 NIV — It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 24, 2025

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Keep Your Faith to the End!' (Mt. 24:9-14)
"[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'To Caesarea' (Acts 23:31-34)
"So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. They returned to the fortress [in Jerusalem] the next morning, while the..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Doubt and Divided Loyalty Hinders Prayer'
"But when you [pray and] ask [God], be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 14:8
"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations