Simeon lived with a promise… that before his death his
eyes would see the promise of God’s Messiah.
We do not know how long Simeon lived with this promise. We actually do not know much about him. Luke tells us only the essentials in the
later portion of Chapter 2 of his gospel.
We do learn that Simeon was expecting, waiting with great
hope. He may have been an old man, but
he was not dwelling in the past, but leaning deep into the vision of God’s future.
Because of his faithfulness and through the
prompting of the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognized God at work in a small little
peasant family when they entered the temple in Jerusalem.
Simeon’s response to the baby Jesus was a glorious song! “Master, now you are
dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the
presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Many
churches sing this as a benediction at the close of their evening worship
services. Perhaps there could be no more
fitting blessing for the end of the day, “Now let thy servant depart in peace…
for I have seen thy salvation.” As a
pastor I wish all worshippers might make such a bold claim as they depart from
worship! I hope each of us might know we
are ready to depart, because we have truly taken hold of God’s free gift of
Jesus, and are confident in God’s love for each of us.
But when
Simeon spoke these words, they were not just a closing prayer for worship or
the end of the day. This was Simeon’s
benediction to his life!! He was ready
to die. But all he has seen was a baby,
you say?! Well, yes. God’s Messiah in a vulnerable infant.
Notice
that Simeon did not get a visit from an angel like Mary. He did not hear an angel chorus like the
shepherds. There was not star for him to
follow. Simeon had a conviction deep in
his heart and was prompted by the Holy Spirit.
When he saw the Babe of Bethlehem, he believed. May we have such conviction as we approach the
cradle of our King!
See you
at the singing place,
Pastor
Michelle
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