And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 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 took Him into his arms and blessed God, and said,
“Now Master, You are releasing Your slave in peace,
According to Your word.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A Light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And for the glory of Your people Israel.”
And His father and mother were marveling at the things which were being said about Him.
(Luke 2:25–33)
Most of us know joy of holding a newborn baby.
It’s a tender moment, isn’t it? When your eyes look down at the little one comfortably bundled in your arms. Even if it’s not your own, the cares of your life begin to fade away as you look upon their sleepy little eyes, their soft skin, their little arms, their tiny fingers. Newborns are pictures of peace in a world full of pain.
Simeon had a similar experience himself. But for him, when he looked down at the one who was in his arms, he saw in that particular child something far more extraordinary than anything you or I have ever seen.
Looking down, Simeon saw his arms holding the very Savior of the world (2:30). He was looking into the face of the Lord’s Anointed One—just eight days old. Just inches from his heart, Simeon held the very One who would give His life as a ransom for many, the One who would restore this world of sin and violence and worry to a place of perfect peace.
You see, Simeon had heard about this little One for quite some time. Simeon’s name, after all, means “hearer.” And being a Jew of “righteous and devout” character, it’s clear that he was someone whose heart listened to God’s word and longed to see His promises come to pass. Simeon had heard of God’s promises to bring tangible peace to His wearied people—and Simeon yearned to know that for himself. He was a man “waiting for the comfort of Israel” (2:25). And Luke’s terms here tell us that Simeon longed to receive God’s comfort, as it were, into his arms. He wanted to receive it himself, to hold it, to know it in his life. And in His grace, God made a special promise when He let Simeon know that in part he would indeed have that privilege (2:26).
Now, on this day in the temple, Simeon actually saw the One whom he’d only ever heard about. He saw Him there in the temple being prepared to carry out God’s will in His life (2:27, 31). He saw Him right there. And with the Spirit’s leading, Simeon literally went and took the Comforter of all Israel into his arms (2:28).
The One he’d heard about in a book was now cradled in his bosom. He was holding Him! And when he looked down at this little One, his soul became full and his faith became sight. This was the Savior of the world (2:32), and His life so comforted Simeon that now he could even face death in peace (2:29).
As you read about Simeon’s experience, dear Christian, you should remember that one day soon you will have for yourself an even greater joy than Simeon had. You should remember that the One whom you’ve mainly read about in a book will stand before your very eyes. You should remember that God’s promises will come true in front of you. Today you live by faith (2 Cor 5:7), but one day soon “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty” (Isa 33:17). Your eyes will see the face of God incarnate (Rev 22:4). Your faith will be made sight (1 Cor 13:12).
You have these promises now, assured to you by God’s own Spirit, so may you live today trusting in His finished work and longing for the day when He returns to receive you to Himself.
“Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” (Heb 9:23).
