Day 37. Countdown. Simeon: focused on hope, delivering the light to the world

Luke 2:28-32. (NIV)

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke’s narrative shows Simeon quoting two passages from Isaiah 42:6 and 46: 6, 9. These verses come from a part of Isaiah that envisions future hope for exiled Judah.

Simeon himself represents the old ways of Judaism . He is called righteous (the typical term for obedient to the law) and religiously devout (cautious, God-fearing). He is also looking for Israel's consolation, which is the same term that John uses for "comforter," as in the Holy Spirit. In fact, Luke describes Simeon as a prophet who has the spirit of God upon him. He is the type of faithful follower who would see God's planned salvation when the plan is revealed.

Luke presents Simeon as one who has been uniquely possessed of God's Spirit. As one who knows the Spirit, it makes sense that he would recognize God at work. When he sees the baby Jesus in the temple on his day of dedication, he instantly recognizes the "comfort" of Yahweh being present in the child. His proclamation becomes a foundational message for all believers who claim to know the "comfort" of God and to be possessed by "the Comforter."

First, our message is, and always will be, Jesus is savior. Note that he was faithful in his life to God's law--but now he has experienced the full presence of God in this moment--a bit of heaven on earth. Simeon was looking for God, patiently waiting for the revelation of the promised hope. This is the moment where his focus and discipline have paid off. By keeping his focus on Yahweh, he has now see in Yahweh in the flesh. He did not miss the opportunity to see God when he arrived.

Next, Simeon can now tell his family and friends that his hope in God has been fulfilled. "I have seen salvation." He is not just talking about a promise or possibility. He has experienced God in the flesh, in person. When he speaks of the hope, he speaks in terms of reality, not just potential.

Note also that as a Jewish man and believer in Yahweh, he Simeon knew of his special relationship to God. He saw Jesus as one who would bring blessing and glory to his people--a fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. Glory does not just mean "honor." Glory also refers to the presence of God with his people. He honors them with his presence. He transforms them. As such, all believers share in this glory. In fact, our only honor comes from faith in Christ. This is the center of our Christian faith. If we do not honor Christ, then we are empty of any value in our Christian faith. And if Christ is not the source of our honor, then all our accomplishments are vain and selfish.

Knowing Jesus as savior begins with knowledge, progresses to experience (seeing him), grows in relationship (honoring him and being honored by him), and reaches its ultimate goal in the salvation of the world. This is why living on mission to foreign nations should always be expected in Christian fellowships. Seeing Christ and experiencing his glory are beautiful things. But taking this experience and message to the world is our ultimate obedience. The savior of the world is not just a light to believers, but to all people--insiders and outsiders. We must take the light of salvation to the Gentiles (non-believers, outsiders). This is why Jesus came--to bring redemption to the whole world.

Prayer: Thank God for his salvation in your life. Ask God to fill your life and our team with his Spirit. Pray that our eyes will be focused on the glory and honor of God. Pray that our mouths will be full of the Gospel message. Pray that we will see God when he moves--and humbly point others to him.

Amen.