Devotion 1/1, Gods Light

Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32

Simeon was one of the godly remnant of Jews who was waiting for the coming of their Messiah. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing Christ – the Anointed One (vs. 25-26).
When Simeon saw the Christ-child he was supernaturally told that this was indeed the promised Messiah. So he took the little Jesus in his arms. Can you just imagine the elation that this devout and godly man must have felt to actually be holding God’s Son in his arms?! It is no small wonder that the very next thing he does is to start praising God.

He starts out by saying, “Sovereign Lord”. He is testifying that what God promises, He does in His time, not ours. It is hard to wait on the Lord sometimes, isn’t it? I am sure that there were times Simeon doubted and thought he would not see the Messiah come to his people, after all he was only human, but he not only got to see the Messiah, he was actually holding Him!
Simeon goes on to say that now that he has seen God’s salvation (Jesus), he can die in peace. He was prepared to die after meeting the Lord Jesus, the sting of death was gone! Salvation had finally come, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.
His first coming as a Babe brought revelation of God to Gentiles, and His second coming will shine glory on Israel.

The Lord Jesus Christ loves you and came to this earth to pay our sin debt to God with His own precious blood. By simply placing your trust in Him you can have eternal life in heaven and die someday in peace. Or continue to reject Him and spend eternity in hell. Please accept the free gift He is offering you today. (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 5:24, Romans 10:9-10)

God’s gift to Simeon was truly precious and touching. Yet Simeon is just the embodiment of all of every nation, race, and culture who are seeking God’s salvation. God’s salvation, as Luke loves to remind us again and again, is for all people! What’s more, God’s light has dawned. Let’s greet that dawn and share it with others.

Thank You Jesus for dying for me, help me to live my life to please You in all I say and do. I love You so and give You all praise, honor, and glory this day. I come to you as a sinner, with a contrite heart, asking for your forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to strengthen my soul that it may be pleasing to you. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!

God’s light is so powerful. What a great way to start our new year, trusting in the Lord. Faith in Christ will sustain you through His grace, love and mercy.
Lord, I come to you with a contrite heart, believing in the power of your name. Please strengthen my soul that I may serve others as you came to serve. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.