The name Simon means: To hear intelligently, attentively, carefully, to consider, declare, discern, to obey, witness, be content…Though Simon walked side-by-side with the Lord, he was unaware of the spiritual awakening within him that was working to change his thinking and behavior so he truly could accomplish what he thought he was doing – glorifying God.
As I was working on the podcast “Simon the Zealot,” I came across Christian traditions that suggest Simon may have been the bridegroom at the wedding of Cana where Jesus first revealed His glory by changing water into wine. Others suggest Simon may have been a servant at this wedding who followed Mary’s directive, “Do whatever He tells you to do.”
As Christians, our structure of faith is Jesus, the Word of God, the firm foundation of the prophets and apostles upon which we are built stands sure and unshaken, for Christ Jesus Himself is the chief Cornerstone. The pillars of His kingdom are Righteousness and Justice. Mercy and faithfulness, loving-kindness and truth go before His face. The Lord’s loyal followers are happy, for we live in the light of His kindness.
Our heavenly Father has worked everything together for our good through His precious Son, Christ Jesus. We can grow and experience Jesus walking side-by-side with us now right here on earth as Holy Spirit raises God’s Word before our eyes, in our thoughts, as Sovereign Lord of Lords on the throne of our heart. For then we come to experience why God’s Book is so very unique because His Word is living and desires to be very active in our lives.
God’s Word is perfect. God’s Word protects us, makes us wise and gives us joy and light. God’s Word is pure, eternal and just. God’s Word is more desirable than gold, sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. For God’s Word, Christ Jesus, became flesh and picked up His cross. They crucified Jesus because they couldn’t wrap their heads around the Truth. God is Love! O how He loves us. How He loves the world, for He sent His Son to warn us away from harmful, pride-filled thinking, to deliver us from the penalty of sin and to give those who follow Him, who obey Him success (Psalm 19:1-11) to become overcomers.
Yes, God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – gives the Lord’s servants an understanding mind and a hearing heart that we may discern between good and bad (1 Kings 3:9 AMP). Through His Spirit our heavenly Father reveals Himself – Elohe Tsadeki – (tsah-deh-kee) God of My Righteousness – oh how He has blessed His people! For Elohim Shophtim Ba-arets – (Show-fuh-Teem-bah-ah-Rets) God that Judges in the Earth – has given us His Word -Jehovah Goelekh – (goh-ehl-Ekh) The Lord Thy Redeemer – to bless us!
Yes, Elohe Chaseddi – (kuh-Sed-dee) – The God of My Mercy – has given us Jehovah Keren-yishi – (Keh-ren-Yish-ee) The Lord the Horn of My Salvation to watch us. El Hay – (elk hah-yee) The Living God – has sent Jehovah Maginnenu (Mag-in-naw) – The Lord Our Defense – to guard us. El Emunah (Eh-moo-Nah) – The Faithful God – will keep us in Jehovah Mekaddishkhem (mi-kod-dish-KEM) – The Lord that Sanctifies You. Yes, the Lord, El Simchath Gili (Sim-KHATH Ghee-lee) – God My Exceeding Joy – has made His face to shine upon us.
El Hakabodh (el ha-kah-BOHD) – the God of Glory – enlightens us! El Rai (Ra’ah) – God That Sees Me – He is gracious! Elohim Ozer Li (oh-ZAIR lee) – God My Helper – is kind! El Sali(seh-lah) – God, My Rock – is merciful to us. Elohe Tishuathi (Eh-loh-HAY Tee-shoo-AH-tee) – God of My Salvation – lifts up His approving countenance on us! El Nose (Naw-saw) – God that Forgave – gives us peace, tranquility of heart and mind and life continually.
And what does the Lord our God require of us but our reverence, the awe and wonder and amazement that flows to fill us knowledge and wisdom, with understanding and power through the Fear of the Lord our God. For it is Holy Spirit Who reminds us of everything the Lord has said so we can learn and discipline and train ourselves to think and behave differently, to speak the Word with the authority Jesus has given us, as we walk in all His ways, honoring and loving Him and serving the Lord our God with all our mind and heart, with our entire being.
“Simon the Zealot” the podcast has been uploaded on the website ForGodForeHisGlory.com.
Father, consider our threats
And enable Your servants to speak Your Word
With great boldness.
Stretch out Your hand, Father, to heal
And perform miraculous signs and wonders
Through the name of Your holy and precious
Servant Jesus
Acts 4:29