Sermon Central
-
Simeon The Pillar Hermit
Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Aug 28, 2024 (message contributor)
Simeon was probably like most boys his age in A.D. 403. The 13-year-old spent much of his time caring for his father's flocks on the hillside of Cilicia. But one day, while listening to a sermon on the beatitudes, stirred and changed he left his home and family and began a lifelong pursuit of God that took him from a monastery to the Syrian desert to three decades of sitting on a pole.
Yes, a pole.
SIMEON the stylite began a spiritual fad that would last more than a thousand years. He was the very first "pillar hermit."
Spiritualized zeal has always taken a variety of forms, but in the first thousand years of Christianity saw more than its share of the bazaar. As the church grew during the first centuries, so did worldliness. In reaction, many Christians withdrew to a life of poverty, chastity, and separation. Hungry for holiness, monks gathered in communities, often competing with one another in their quest for self-denial.
Simeon, I'd say, won the contest hands down. "Simeon moved to the Syrian desert and lived with an iron chain on his feet before having himself buried up to his neck for several months", writes Robert J Morgan in his book "On This Day". "When crowds flocked into view his acts of perceived holiness, Simeon determined to escape the distractions by living atop a pillar. His first column was 6 feet high. But soon he built higher ones until his permanent abode towered 60 feet above ground."
There he lived for 30 years, exposed to every element, tied to his perch with a rope to keep from falling while he slept. By letter, his followers brought him food each day and removed his waist. Thousands came to Goc at this strange man on the pillar. Hundreds listened daily as Simeon preached on the importance of prayer, selflessness, and justice.
But the question that occurs to me, as I'm sure it occurred to some of those who came to listen, is this: did Simeon's life on a pillar really bring him any closer to God? Does intimacy with God require that you sit on a pillar like Simeon or be buried up to your neck in sand?
From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver, 2002, page 64.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
It Was A State Campground Near Old Walker Mine ...
Contributed by Charles Wilkerson on Nov 14, 2003
It was a state campground near Old Walker Mine in late September. My father and I pulled in about 11:30 at night and setting up camp what I remember most was the night sky. It was black, not dark but black. The stars were clearer, huge, close and more brilliant than I’d ever seen them or could ...read more
-
William James Once Said "When You Have A Choice ...
Contributed by Brian Burkett on Mar 29, 2004
William James once said “When you have a choice to make and don’t make it, ...read more
-
4. For Years Gordon Macdonald Rode The Same Bus ... PRO
Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 7, 2004
4. For years Gordon MacDonald rode the same bus daily from his home to his church in New York City. One day the bus driver complained to MacDonald: “You’ve got it a lot better than me. You have an interesting job and travel different places. I just drive this bus up and down the same streets ...read more
-
Dr. R.g. Lee Said, "If You Trust In ... PRO
Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Oct 7, 2005
Dr. R.G. Lee said, "If you trust in administration; you will get what administration can do. If you trust in hard work; you will get what hard work can do. If you trust in your sparkling personality; you will get ...read more
-
There Was A Woman Who Went On A Short Term ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 17, 2003
There was a woman who went on a short term missions trip to Kenya, helping the missionaries there. Before she left, she stopped at a remote village where she attended a medical clinic. As the native women outside the clinic began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their beautiful ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Holiness Is Right
Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jul 2, 2015
Regardless of the laws that are passed by the Supreme Court Holiness is Right.
-
“getting Closer To God” Series
Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 1, 2014
How do we get closer to God?
-
You Are Holy - Set Apart For A Purpose
Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 10, 2015
How do we become Holy? The Hebrew word translated Holy is Qodesh it means a sacred place or object set apart consecrated and dedicated to God. Beloved there is a vast difference between Holy and Purity.
-
Eight Habits For Holy Living Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Sep 20, 2013
Developing eight habits. 1. Rejoice always 2. Pray without ceasing 3. Give thanks in everything 4. Don't put out God's fire 5. Listen to God's Word 6. Examine everything 7. Hold fast to what is good 8. Stay away from evil
-
Half-Baked
Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 7, 2013
Hosea charged Israel with being “a cake not turned” or “half-baked". They were half-hearted towards God. Like Israel, many of today’s professed believers have followed the same pattern of incomplete discipleship.
