Luke 2 tells us a little about the prophet Simeon. Simeon was righteous and devout. He was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. God had promised him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah.
It was Jesus's first time at the temple. Joseph and Mary were following the Jewish customs. There, they encountered Simeon who without being told makes a declaration about the baby. It is a fascinating read.
"Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” -Luke 2:28-32
It is Simeon's story. "I have seen your salvation." It is Mary and Joseph's story, too. But most importantly, it is our story because of Jesus. "He is a light to reveal God to the nations..." He would, indeed, be the Light.
As a child, I would sneak reading. I loved books and would stay up way too late under the covers with a flashlight. The trouble is, you get caught. Why? Because you can't hide the flashlight. The tiniest light breaks into the darkness. Darkness can't win against light. Isn't that a great truth?
Simeon had seen dark times. The century of Jesus's birth was not an easy one. There were trials and tribulations for most. There were an elite few who used their power to their own desires with little care for the people they were supposed to serve. Not much different from today.
Simeon saw "the light" in Jesus. Probably not in the physical sense, but in the spiritual. He was lifted up in hope because of the child. He knew God had kept his promise. He saw that this child was not just for the Jews... but for all nations. Yes, the Gentiles, too. A shocking and bold declaration.
As we live out these days, we can trust that light will still break through the darkness. Even the tiniest of flames wins over the deep, dark night. Evil may have its triumphs, but only for a minute. In the end... God wins. And when we choose Him, we win, too.
Seek the light.
Today, I am grateful Simeon saw the light.
No comments:
Post a Comment