“‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people.’”
Luke 2:29-31
Some people record the activities they’d like to do before they die. Things like “see the Grand Canyon,” “run a marathon,” or “build a house” fill such “bucket lists.” The old man Simeon had just one thing he wanted to do before leaving this earth: see the Messiah.
He and the prophetess Anna were the only ones who paid attention at all to the temple guests that day. Forty days after astonishing visits by angels and shepherds, no one else remembered who Jesus was.
According to Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph would have taken the baby to the temple to present Him to the Lord. When Simeon took the baby in his arms and declared Him to be the Savior, a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel, how Mary’s heart would have leaped. It would falter, too, pierced by Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be a sign spoken against. Harsh days waited. But Simeon’s words were welcomed nonetheless, and his prophecy did come true. The Savior lived and died for us, trampling over evil, making a way so that the one thing on His “list” was realized: redeem My people!
He and the prophetess Anna were the only ones who paid attention at all to the temple guests that day. Forty days after astonishing visits by angels and shepherds, no one else remembered who Jesus was.
According to Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph would have taken the baby to the temple to present Him to the Lord. When Simeon took the baby in his arms and declared Him to be the Savior, a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel, how Mary’s heart would have leaped. It would falter, too, pierced by Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be a sign spoken against. Harsh days waited. But Simeon’s words were welcomed nonetheless, and his prophecy did come true. The Savior lived and died for us, trampling over evil, making a way so that the one thing on His “list” was realized: redeem My people!
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:21-35
Insight
There have been many lists made this Christmas season. Let your first wish be to know Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
Bible In A Year
- Nahum 1-3
- Proverbs 24
- Revelation 3-5