“And Simeon blessed them….” – Luke 2:34

An elderly man stands in the temple courts, his weathered hands cradling an infant. 

His eyes shine with tears and his voice trembles as he speaks words that will echo through eternity. 

This is Simeon’s moment –  the culmination of decades spent waiting on God. 

When he blesses Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus as our meditation today says, he’s doing more than speaking nice words about the young family. 

He’s invoking something extremely powerful: a blessing bathed in decades of a Spirit-filled life of faithful walking with God.

In the original language, the word used herre means to ‘pronounce a blessing upon.’

In the biblical sense, the word implies the invocation of God’s favor, declaration of divine destiny using words that carry spiritual authority. 

In other words, Simeon was pronouncing a God-directed blessing connected to Jesus’ mission and future.

In our contemporary world today, we tend to chase what’s ‘trending’ – the new, the fresh, the cutting-edge –  and publicly pour ridicule upon elders, including men and women who have been serving God from their youth.

But in God’s economy, there’s an irreplaceable treasure in spiritual longevity. 

Simeon wasn’t chosen for this holy moment by accident. 

Scripture tells us he was “righteous and devout,” that “the Holy Spirit was upon him.” 

When such a person invokes a blessing over your life, it can make a massive difference. 

They’re operating from spiritual authority earned through years of prayer, patience, and proven faithfulness.

Think about Mary and Joseph for a moment. 

Like Mary and Joseph in that temple, may we be a people humble enough to pause, wise enough to listen, and faithful enough to receive the sacred gift of an elder’s blessing.

They’d already encountered angels; as a matter of fact, Angel Gabriel had declared Mary “blessed above all women.”. 

They knew their child was the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God. 

They could have laughed off this old man’s words. But instead, they stood still and received his blessing. 

That’s humility. That’s wisdom! 

They understood something we often forget: that we don’t have all the answers, no matter the spiritual encounters we’ve experienced.

I shudder when I see young pastors who resent the idea of having a board of elders.

Yet, here’s what seasoned elders  can do for us that we cannot do for ourselves: they see what we miss. 

Simeon had waited so long for the “Consolation of Israel” that he recognized the Messiah instantly. 

When you’ve walked with God through decades of valleys and mountaintops, you develop a certain spiritual vision. 

You can spot God’s hand at work even when the person living it is too overwhelmed to see it clearly.

But notice something important: Simeon’s blessing wasn’t all sunshine. 

He warned Mary about the ‘sword that would pierce her soul.’

 True elders don’t just tell you what you want to hear. 

They tell you what you need to hear.

It’s all part of the ‘blessing’ that prepares you for both the glory and the cost of your calling. 

This is love in action; equipping you for the real journey and the real world ahead.

So here’s my challenge to you my friend: Who are the ‘Simeons’ in your life?

 Look around the Church and your local congregation. 

Take good note of the men and women with silver hair and the peace of God radiating from their presence. 

These are your treasures. Don’t let ‘vibe’, pride, or cultural obsession with youth cause you to miss them.

Seek them out. Ask for their perspective. Ask them to pray over you.

Sit at their feet. When they offer a word of admonition or lay hands on you in prayer, receive it with grace and an open heart. 

God often uses those who have walked with Him the longest to strengthen those just beginning the journey.

That’s why the Bible repeatedly instructs us to honour elders in the community.

Like Mary and Joseph in that temple, may we be a people humble enough to pause, wise enough to listen, and faithful enough to receive the sacred gift of an elder’s blessing.