Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Luke 2:25-35 (NRSV)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

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Reflect

All we know about Simeon is what Luke tells us in these few verses, but the interaction between Simeon and the holy family fascinates me. The Holy Spirit promised Simeon that he would live to see the Messiah, and led Simeon to the Temple, where he encountered Joseph and Mary, with the baby Jesus. I wonder if Simeon was surprised to discover the Messiah as an infant, born into a poor family from Nazareth. Did he understand he was looking for a baby, or was that revealed at the moment he saw the holy family?

Surprised or not, Simeon was sure of what he was experiencing. He recognized that he was in the presence of the Living God, and gave thanks for the privilege. Simeon also blessed the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. He spoke to Mary about the agony she would have to bear, watching this son she loved as he was crucified and buried.

Simeon put himself in the right place to find the Savior, he was open to the revelation of the Holy Spirit, and he was not afraid to acknowledge and celebrate the Living God, even when God showed up as a baby!

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Pray

Dear God, I want to recognize you and celebrate you as Simeon did. Reveal yourself to me today in a new way, and empower me to share that blessing with others. Amen.

Go with God.