MONDAY: THE WAIT IS FULFILLED

Dec 19, 2022
2 min read

Luke 2:25-35

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. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Simeon had been waiting all his life to see Jesus. The Holy Spirit was upon him and revealed that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. As soon as Simeon saw Jesus, he proclaimed, “You may now dismiss Your servant in peace.” Simeon had looked upon “God’s salvation,” and he prophesied that God had prepared His salvation in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel.”

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

For a Jewish man to proclaim that the Messiah was for the Gentiles was indeed a revelation. Jesus indeed came to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jewish people.

Indeed, Jesus came to bring me light and salvation and to reveal His glory. The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. Many will speak against Him, and many will rise and fall because of Him.

Lord, have I grasped that my heart will also be revealed? Have I understood that I may rise or fall based on my acceptance of You? May Your name be praised above all others! Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman