Characters at the Cradle: Simeon, A Light for Revelation

by David Chadwick

We are following the story of Simeon. Mary and Joseph were in the temple with Jesus, awaiting his purification according to the Law of Moses. Simeon had just realized that Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfillment of all of the prophecies. Let’s keep reading to see what happens with this character at the cradle whose life intersects with the Son of God.

As we learned yesterday, Simeon’s life was led by the Holy Spirit. On the very day that Jesus and his family were going in for Jesus’s purification, Simeon, who had been waiting for years for “the consolation of Israel” to be born, was led to the temple by the Holy Spirit at the exact moment when Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus would be there.

This alone should be enough to stir all of our faith to believe that God is always working from every angle, with every person, to accomplish his plans on the earth.

Nothing. And I mean nothing is outside of God’s sovereign control and timing! God knew when Jesus would be in the temple. Therefore, the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, guided Simeon, this devout and righteous man, to the temple at that exact moment. In doing so, the Father answered all of Simeon’s prayers for years as Simeon came face to face with his Messiah.

According to Luke 2:28-32, Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms, blessed God, and then began to prophesy over the child, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Can you imagine what Simeon must have been feeling at this moment? He was fully aware that everything happening was divinely authored by God himself. One can presume that he was fully present and fully aware of the miraculous majesty of the moment.

If I can, let me encourage you for a moment in this new year. Stay alert. Don’t become numb to all that God is doing in your life and in the lives of those around you. So often, in a broken world, people become hardened to the ordained wonders of the Lord, to the little whispers of grace, and to his glimpses of glory.

Like Simeon, keep your eyes open to the promises fulfilled all around you. Simeon knew he could die in peace after seeing Jesus; the greatest desire of his heart had been met. He knew he was holding in his arms the only one who could save all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. This baby would become a light to Gentiles on how to live and how to go to heaven, and Israel would be glorified through his life. Through the life of Jesus, Israel’s purpose in salvation history was unfolding.