In Luke Chapter Two, we read about a man named Simeon. Simeon was a just and devout man. In verse twenty-five, we read that Simeon was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.”

    Consolation means comfort or exhortation. Simeon knew that God was going to send the Messiah. The nation of Israel had been waiting for a very long time for that Messiah who would bring them comfort and exhortation.

    Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before his own eyes had seen the Messiah. Then, the Holy Spirit told him that Messiah, the Christ, was at the Temple. Therefore, Simeon went to the Temple to see the child. Verses 29-32 record the words that Simeon spoke to God after seeing the baby. Notice that Simeon states that he has seen God’s salvation.

    In 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, we read, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” Through Jesus, we can have everlasting consolation. That means that we have salvation through Jesus. True eternal hope can only come through Jesus.

    I am thankful that Jesus was willing to come to earth to be our consolation. I am thankful that the Father is loving enough to have such a plan for us. Keep reading your Bible. Learn what is needed to have that consolation and salvation, and if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

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Despise Him, Be Despised

    Amos was chosen by God to prophesy to Israel. Amos lived during a time when Israel was at peace with most of the surrounding nations. There was a general state of wealth and prosperity in Israel. The northern and southern kingdoms had almost reached the same size as the kingdom had been under Solomon.

    However, the people had become evil. They were arrogant and full of pride. They worshipped idols. The rich mistreated the poor. Many of the people were preoccupied with making money.

    The people had reached the point that they even despised God. In Amos 2:4, we are told that God will punish the people because, “they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments.” The word “despised” comes from a Hebrew word that means a strong dislike. They were not just rejecting God’s law. They truly did not like it at all.

    In Amos 5:21, we read, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.” The people were still performing sacrifices to God, but their heart was not in it. They were simply going through the motions without thinking of or having any emotion toward God. Because of this, God said he despised them. God uses the same Hebrew word for “despise” that was used in Amos 2:4.

    There is an old saying that says, “What goes around, comes around.” This means that what you do to others will eventually come back to haunt you. If you treat others poorly, eventually you will be treated poorly. The Israelites had despised God, and He says He despises them. His longsuffering toward them was over. He was going to punish them for their disobedience and bad attitude.

    I know you do not want God to despise you. I know you want to obey Him. Study your Bible. Always do what He wants you to do. Do it because you desire to please Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.