In Jerusalem was a man by the name of Simeon. He was an upright man, devoted to the service of God, living in expectation of the “salvation of Israel”. His heart was open to the Holy Spirit, and it had been revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Lord’s Christ. He had been led by the Spirit to go into the Temple, and when Jesus’ parents brought the child in to have done to him what the Law required, he took him up in his arms, blessed God, and said—
“At last, Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised! For with my own eyes I have seen your salvation which you have made ready for every people—a light to show truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32
Steve and I have recently been blessed with grandchild number eight. His mommy (our daughter) came over for a visit a few days ago and I soaked up the moments I got to hold him in my arms. I was looking at his little face, watching his every expression and listening to those oh so sweet baby noises. I couldn’t help but thank the Lord for another little miracle that He’s added to our family.
As we read this passage in Luke we learn that Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to be dedicated to God. I can’t help but wonder what it must have been like for Simeon to hold the baby Jesus in his arms. Through the Old Testament passages and the prophets, this priest was well acquainted with God’s promise in sending the Messiah Savior to this earth. But this was not just another day. Simeon, who had not lost his hope for the consolation of Israel and the world for that matter, witnessed the fulfillment of his hope.
Simeon has a lot to teach us about the meaning of Christmas just through his words of praise.
What did his eyes see when he looked at that precious baby?
John MacArthur writes, “He (Simeon) understood that salvation for Israel involved much more than the national deliverance. Jesus came not to save His people from their enemies, but from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
This elderly priest saw through the Holy Spirit that the infant in his arms would bring salvation both to Jews and Gentiles (Acts 4:12).
Salvation was not the only thing that Simeon saw as he dedicated Jesus. He saw the light and the glory for all mankind who would place their faith and hope in Him.
(John 4,14) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Simeon was ready to depart from this earthly life because he had the blessed assurance that God had not abandon His promise to bring redemption to this world.
When I meditate on this passage I realize there is so much more than meets the eye. I certainly cannot do it justice in one devotion. But there is enough for all of us to ponder to praise and to proclaim as we go about this season!
Heavenly Father gives us eyes to see what Simeon saw as He held Your beloved Son in his arms. Let your Holy Spirit meet us this day and reveal the great and glorious salvation that was born into this world so long ago and Who abides with us still. And let us share (like Simeon) this precious life saving, and life-giving truth.