Wholly and Solely Jesus

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 17
Had I even Simeon’s righteousness, piety, revelations, and every gift he possessed, I would, with him, (Luke 2:25-3225And, behold, 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. 26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:25‑32)), willingly forget and forsake them, living or dying, in order to exchange them for the child Jesus—Israel’s only consolation. It is matter of astonishment, adoration, and delight to see how the Lord can induce us to let everything go—everything appears so frivolous, unsatisfying, trifling, and superficial—even good and religious things which formerly gave much gratification, and of which we were so tenacious, but which for that very reason served only to interpose between us and God, and were injurious because they were held so fast. Jesus alone is sufficient, but yet insufficient, when He is not wholly and solely embraced.