Wednesday
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, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
(Luke 2:29-32, NIV)
Forty days after the birth of a son, Jewish mothers were instructed to go to the Temple to offer a sacrifice for their purification (Exodus 13:12-13). Luke 2 records the visit of Joseph and Mary to the temple for Mary’s purification and to consecrate their firstborn to the Lord. This trip from Bethlehem to Jerusalem is approximately a five-mile journey.
Upon entering the temple court, Simeon, described by Luke as a righteous and devout man who patiently awaited “the consolation of Israel,” takes the baby Jesus in his arms and praises the Lord. Today’s verses record his words of praise. Not only is Simeon now ready to die “in peace” since his long-awaited wish had been fulfilled, he announces that Jesus is Israel’s salvation. All of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah would now be fulfilled. Jesus is the one that God — through the prophets — had promised and Simeon boldly announces that fact for all to hear.
Simeon also points out a very important dimension of the Messiah’s mission: he is a “light of revelation” to all people, not just the Jews. As a non-Jew himself, Luke wants to make sure this truth is noted. The Prince of Shalom has come to lead all who believe in him.
Prayer
Lord of history, we rejoice in the fact that you control the course of human events. We are thankful for your Son, the Prince of Peace, and the testimony of righteous Simeon who, through the Holy Spirit, called you a “light of revelation” to all people. Amen.