Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. 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.”
Doctor Luke and Simeon, Luke 2:25-32
A promise had been made to Adam and Eve. That same promise was given to Abram and Sarai. David was brought into that same promise. Mary and Joseph were told they would bear that divine promise. Simeon was told he would see the promise fulfilled.
Simeon’s eyes had seen the salvation that God had prepared for the entire world. All the plans and promises of a God who would redeem His fallen creation were laying in Simeon’s arms. All the hopes and dreams of a sin sick world were pinned on the infant gazing into this old man’s eyes.
Our hope for you today is that you lift up your eyes and see the salvation that God has provided so that you can live a life of righteous devotion just like Simeon did.
Bonus Content:
William Williams was a Calvinistic Methodist minister and known as the Watts of Wales. Reflecting on Lunke 2 and a few other Scriptures he wrote the words to “O’er The Gloomy Hills of Darkness” which played in the background of today’s podcast. The words of this missionary hymn reflect the proclamation of Simeon “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.”
O’er the gloomy hills of darkness,
Cheered by no celestial ray,
Sun of Righteousness, arising,
Bring the bright, the glorious day;
Send the gospel
To the earth’s remotest bounds.
Kingdoms wide that sit in darkness,
Grant them, Lord, the glorious light;
And from eastern coast to western
May the morning chase the night,
And redemption,
Freely purchased win the day.
Fly abroad, thou mighty gospel,
Win and conquer, never cease;
May thy lasting, wide dominions
Multiply and still increase;
Sway thy sceptre,
Saviour, all the world around.
Amen.
With much love,
The Downings
