MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
In a recent entry in the series titled, "What the Gospels Tell us about Jesus", we reviewed Joseph and Mary's visit to the temple in Jerusalem. After the rituals of the Law were completed, we're introduced to a man named Simeon (Luke 2:25-35), from whom we can learn much about waiting, seeing, and living well.
Imagine that you're Simeon. You're old. You've served God faithfully your whole life. You love the scriptures, you pray, you show up. However, you've lived through years of silence - no prophets, no miracles - maintaining simple adherence to religious procedures that sometimes feel functionary. Yet somewhere along the way, you've heard the Holy Spirit whisper into your heart, "You will not die until you see the Messiah with your own eyes." So every day Simeon wakes with expectation, and that's where Luke brings us into the story.
Some of us are waiting right now for God to show us something - to do something - to fix something. The life of Simeon shows that we can wait without being bitter. We may not be given all the answers in our lifetime, but Jesus will come as promised.
In Luke 2:25-26, Luke tells us three things about Simeon. 1) He was righteous and devout: he consistently controlled his conduct according to the law of his God; he worshiped God in spirit and in truth while he yet waited. 2) He was looking for the consolation of Israel: Simeon expected God to keep His word and redeem/restore Israel. And 3) the Holy Spirit was with him: Simeon was divinely inspired and protected by the influence of God's Spirit.
Verses 27-28 shows that the Spirit faithfully led Simeon to the right place at the right time, and his obedience was rewarded. He walks into the temple in Jerusalem, as people all around are doing their normal rituals. "And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he [Simeon] took Him [the baby Jesus] into his arms, and blessed God." He had noticed the poor young couple from out of town, offering two pigeons instead of a lamb, and faith opened the eyes of Simeon to see what everyone else missed.
Simeon lived his entire life in expectation of the Redeemer, trusted the promises God had made, and in that moment, he took the Child in his arms, adored him, and he sang a song of praise. "'Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bondservant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for my eyes have seen Thy salvation...'" (verses 29-30). For some, death holds terror, but Simeon's song reveals peace about death, clarity about life's purpose, and confidence and joy that God keeps His promises.
Simeon continued his song, "'...which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel'" (verses 31-32).
Verse 33 indicates that Simeon's song astonished Joseph and Mary, though what an affirmation that moment must have brought as they saw the elderly man's devotion to their Child.
Simeon's prophecy then turned to a hard, honest warning that could be something we all need to hear. "'Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed - and a sword will pierce even your own soul - to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed'" (verses 34-35). Two thousands later, the birth of Jesus still forces a choice. Christ will be the ruin or the recovery of many in Israel, and throughout the world's history. For anyone who follows Him, a way of mercy is open. Isaiah in chapter 8 and 11 prophesied this; Jesus predicted it (Matthew 24:10); and Paul taught it in 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and Romans 11.
Simeon foretells that loving Jesus will cost us. There is no neutral ground. Mary would later weep at the foot of the cross as her Son died. Watching the people we love reject His love will feel like a sword piercing the heart. But pain is proof that we love Him.
Simeon brings two questions for us. Are we living in active expectation that Jesus will show up (or are we resigned to a religion made up of routine)? And, when Jesus does show up, will we have eyes to recognize Him and arms to embrace Him? Doing both will enable us to face the rest of life, even death, in peace. We can rejoice daily. We must also be aware that a sword is coming, and we ask for courage to face the pain.
This Christmas Day, like Simeon, we want to see Jesus. We will continue to look for Him in ordinary places, and hold onto Him until at last we whisper, "Now I can go in peace."
