Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Today's Reading: Luke 2:25-40Devo Author: Heith Guilbert
Date: December 24, 2022
When we look at someone or something, thoughts and memories flood our mind. Many things which help inform us about that someone or something, in a split second, are recalled from deep within us. We may not recall every single detail we know about that someone or something, but some details are there. We remember what makes them… them. These recollections drive our thoughts and emotions, our adorations or disgust, and often, our actions and responses toward that someone or something. In this process, we often feel more than what our eyes see.
Long ago, a Jewish man named Simeon saw something. Something the Lord had promised him he would see. Something Simeon knew all about, yet was still waiting to see with his own eyes. Then one day, unexpectedly, while in the temple, Simeon saw it. What did Simeon see? He saw a child. A child being brought to the temple by His parents: Mary and Joseph.
In a moment and at a glance, Simeon saw the light that would be a revelation to the world. He saw the fulfillment of prophecies of old. He saw in just a glance, what we see when we look at the whole of Scripture. He saw every “yes and amen” to every promise… those who were once far away being brought near to God… the cornerstone that would unite all peoples into one body… an old temple being torn down and a new temple, not made by human hands, being built up… a new dwelling place for God‘s Spirit to inhabit. He saw sinners being saved by grace. He saw once and for all the redemption and the forgiveness of sins… In this child, Simeon saw the hope of glory… He saw the heathen being justified by faith. He saw redemption from the curse of the law, a new way of being made right. He saw a new and better covenant with new and better promises. He envisioned a true and better Adam, a true and better Moses. As he held the child in his arms, he saw the Lamb who would take away the sin of the world.
As a kid in Sunday School, often, if I didn’t know the “right“ answer to a question I would simply blurt out “Jesus.” I assumed I was wrong, and I thought it was funny. Eventually I’d learn that I was actually as right as I would ever need to be. The ultimate solution to life’s biggest problems is simple: the answer is Jesus. His person, His work, His words are what set us free. So, what did Simeon see? I’ve given you a “long“ answer. I have passed on the “right“ answer as extracted from the Scriptures. But, I’ll ask the question again. Let’s give the “real“ answer. The answer I might have given as a kid when I knew enough to think I was wrong but not enough to know I was right. So, here goes… What did Simeon see? JESUS!!!!! Simeon saw Jesus. Everything before, behind, beside, and in Him… Everything He was, is, and will always be. He saw it, in one quick moment. He saw it all when he saw Jesus.
This season, let’s see what Simeon saw. No matter where we’re looking, let’s see Jesus. Behind, before, and beside. Let’s see Jesus. With every gift given and every gift received, let’s see Jesus. With every card sent and received, every song sung, every decoration placed, every party attended… let’s see what Simeon saw. He beheld the great mystery that now has been revealed in and through Jesus Christ. Be thankful our deepest need has been freely met in Christ Jesus. The best gift ever... already given. The gift of salvation… no longer hidden like a gift still under a tree… a mystery no more… No more guessing regarding the real answer, the right answer, the short answer, or the long answer. Every spiritual need we have is fully found and freely met in Jesus. It’s Jesus. It has always been Jesus and it will always be Jesus. The answer is Jesus.