“A MAN IN JERUSALEM”

M.P.

Luke 2: 25–The tabernacle as composed of ten four-coloured curtains with cherubim of artistic work and extending over the ark and other precious pieces of sacred furniture typified, as we know, the saints holding Christ and what is His in their affections. Now this is what we find beautifully exemplified in Simeon, that remarkable man, in the second chapter of Luke, taking up the holy Child into his loving arms and praising God. The four features of his character as mentioned there correspond precisely with the four colours of the tabernacle curtains in Exodus 26: 1, even as to the order in which they are put.

He is said to have been “just”, corresponding with the white twined byssus, and “pious”—that would be the blue, the heavenly colour; he was “awaiting the consolation of Israel”, corresponding to the “kingdom and patience in Jesus” (Revelation 1: 9) of which the purple is expressive; and, finally, the scarlet would find its counterpart in that “the Holy Spirit was upon him”, suggesting the true greatness and glory of man as owned manifestly by God in giving His Spirit. Moreover, he showed forth distinct traits that characterise the cherubim, being submissive to the Spirit’s direction (Ezekiel 1: 12; 10: 20) and marked by a holy discernment in the things of God as to “the Lord’s Christ”, the blessed centre of God’s all-embracing government, who filled his thoughts and outlook. Thus Simeon would represent the features which in our day constitute material for the assembly—and, indeed, he was characteristically “a man in Jerusalem”. May these wonderful features be more richly exhibited in us all!

M.P.