Simeon and Jesus

Lk. 2:22-33

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

This account, telling of the presenting of Jesus in the temple, speaks to "Joseph and Mary's overall piety, their faithfulness to God, and their keeping of the law." When it was time for purification according to the law, they traveled to Jerusalem. Not realizing the effect that Jesus would have, Joseph and Mary were amazed at the response of Simeon. Through the working of the Spirit, Simeon knew that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. Jesus was only an infant, and yet Simeon recognized who he was  How amazing!  He took Jesus in His arms and blessed God saying, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 

What spiritual insight! He knew what was included in this great salvation, that is the light of revelation to the Gentiles. He knew this mystery of the Gentiles before even the apostles knew. Jesus was also glory to Israel. John says The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Sadly not many Israelites rejoiced in or realized the glory of Jesus. Instead they crucified Him. Yet there was a remnant who loved Jesus and were willing to die for Him.

I wonder did Simeon fully understand what he said? Did he know about God's plan for the Gentiles? Regardless, when the Spirit reveals something,  it is totally accurate. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"--these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. How amazing is the plan of God! How carefully crafted! 

This same Spirit, who revealed so much to Simeon, now indwells all those who name the name of Jesus, those who admit their need, confessing and repenting, and those who reach out for Jesus as their Savior. As the Spirit revealed much to Simeon, so He reveals much to believers. He teaches us the word and brings to our remembrance what Jesus has said. He also convicts of sin so that we may not dull the light of Jesus in our lives. The Spirit was Jesus' gift to His followers and what a tremendous gift He is! Like Simeon, we may say our eyes have seen and embraced  His salvation, a light for the Gentiles. 

Thank You, Father. Your plan has transformed our lives. Thank You, Jesus for humbling Yourself to come to earth and endure all that it means to be human. Thank You Spirit for indwelling us. Through You we may see clearly into our spirits, cleansing, confessing, rejoicing, and growing in Jesus. I am truly blessed!

In Jesus name,

Amen