During one on the most stupendous events in the history of the world, most people had no clue what was going on. When the King of Kings, Emmanuel, was born in Bethlehem, people were going about life as usual. Only a few were made aware of the coming of Christ. Lowly shepherds, wise men from afar, and two old prophets were on the cutting edge of God’s purpose for the world and for their lives.

In the business and technology field, successful people want to be on the cutting edge of new developments. But how many are on the cutting edge of God’s purpose? God has a purpose and God given dream for each individual. You are truly fulfilled when you are involved in God’s purpose and plan.

When Jesus was 12 years old, Mary and Joseph took him on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the time of the Passover. As they returned home they discovered that Jesus was missing. After three days of searching, they found him in the temple confounding the scholars with his knowledge. When Jesus’ parents reprimanded him, he replied, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:41-52) Jesus was always on the cutting edge of what his heavenly Father was doing.

This New Year we can be on the cutting edge of God’s purpose for the world by fulfilling His plan for our life. Two elderly prophets, Simeon and Anna, were on the cutting edge of God’s purpose for the world. Consider Simeon and 10 principles that can enable us to be on the cutting edge. (See Luke 2:25-25.)

First – SIMEON LIVED IN JERUSALEM (Luke 2:25 NLT). Jerusalem was to be the capital of the great King – the Messiah. It was symbolic of God’s presence. King David loved Jerusalem. (See Psalm 48.) Salem means peace. Those on the cutting edge of God’s purpose have peace with God and the peace of God. (See Philippians 4:4-7.) Where do you live? Read what David’s address was and Jesus’ invitation found in Psalm 84:10 and Revelation 3:20.

Second – SIMEON WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN (Luke 2:25). Simeon was right with God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Like David, we must follow the Lord “in paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). We must walk the talk. We must have our priorities right. (See Matthew 6:33.)

Third – SIMEON WAS DEVOUT (Luke 2:25). He was devoted to God. Everyone is devoted to something. What are you devoted to? Anna the Prophetess practiced the disciplines of devotion to God. (See Luke 2:37.) Those on the cutting edge of God’s purpose will be devout and sold out to God.

Fourth – SIMEON WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (Luke 2:25). Those on the cutting edge will be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They will not rely on clever programs or man’s wisdom. (See Acts 1:8 and Ephesians 2:18.)

Fifth – SIMEON EAGERLY EXPECTED THE MESSIAH (Luke 2:25 NLT). Do you eagerly expect Christ to intervene in your circumstances? The name Jesus means “Savior – Deliverer”. Do you go to the House of God in faith expecting a fresh encounter with God? (See Hebrews 11:6.)

Sixth – SIMEON HAD A GOD GIVEN DREAM (Luke 2:26). God promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Messiah. God has a God given dream for you. Those on the cutting edge see it fulfilled.

Seventh – SIMEON WAS LED BY THE SPIRIT (Luke 2:27). Those led by the Spirit are on the cutting edge. Phillip the evangelist was led by the Spirit to leave a big city revival meeting to go out into the desert to meet a seeker of God. (See Acts 8:26-40.) Those led by the Spirit are Son’s of God. (See Romans 8:14.)

Eighth – SIMEON WAS THERE. God gives windows of opportunity. We must be at the right place at the right time. It was not coincidental that Simeon was in the temple at precisely the same time that Mary and Joseph brought Christ in to be presented to the Lord. Those on the cutting edge of God’s purpose are faithful. They believe in divine providence.

Ninth – SIMEON TOOK CHRIST INTO HIS ARMS AND PRAISED GOD. You can embrace Christ by receiving Him into your heart as your Savior and Lord. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Your life will be changed forever.

Tenth – SIMEON BLESSED THEM (Luke 2:33). Those who want to be on the cutting edge of God’s purpose bless people. Don’t live your life to get a blessing – live your life to be a blessing.

May this New Year find you on the cutting edge of God’s purpose for the world and for your life.