When will you be ready?

I am currently reading the Bible via the You Version program provided by Life Church, my particular reading is a plan called "Rediscovering the Christmas Season". Todays reading was about Simeon meeting Mary & Joseph at the temple as they come to dedicate Jesus. Note what scripture says about this encounter...

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 had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”  Luke 2:25-32

Simeon says I have seen you (God) fulfill your promise and now I am ready to die. What an amazing testimony, Simeon shows no fear in death because he has absolute trust in God. As I read over those verses this morning, I wondered if I could say the words of Simeon? Are we ever ready to die? I loved what Woody Allen said about death, "I am not afraid to die, I just do not want to be there when death shows up" Simeon lived in such a way as when he saw God fulfill his promise he was ready to go. 

How do we live like Simeon today? These verses give us a few clues...  

• Live a devout or devoted life toward God.
• Practice Righteousness toward others. 
• Patiently wait on God to reveal His will for your life.
• Be Spirit sensitive

Simeon is one of the unsung heroes of the Gospels; he is only mentioned in Luke's gospel, but his one account reminds us every one has the ability to be ready to die, if we will only trust God with our life. May we live like Simeon today, better yet may we be prepared to face death with courage becasue we have trusted God and His promises.