““Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 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.” – Luke 2:29-33
Scripture reading: Luke 2:25-33
Joseph and Mary were in the temple to consecrate Jesus and to offer the purification sacrifice. As they crossed the temple courts, most just saw an ordinary baby.
An elderly man, however, approached Joseph and Mary. Simeon was a true believer who trusted God and longed for Messiah. The Spirit had told him he would see Messiah before he died. He hurried over to Jesus and took Him in his arms. Thanks to God’s revelation, and the internal testimony of the Spirit, he saw his Saviour!
With Messiah in his arms, Simeon 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 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).
By faith, Simeon believed what the Bible said about Jesus. He rejoiced that Jesus would redeem Gentiles as well as Jews, people from every tribe and nation. “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
Do you believe what the Bible says about Jesus? Do you receive him as your Saviour and Lord? Do you long to see him, as Simeon did?
Suggestions for prayer
Praise God that our long-expected Jesus will return to make all things new. Pray, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.”
Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
