18/3/18 – Numbers 7:1-65 – Luke 2:21-40 – Psalm 35:1-10
Luke 2:25-26
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation 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.
What an amazing moment the must have been for Simeon. All his life he had hope – waiting for the day that he’d see the Messiah come.
And God gave him a word, that he’d not see death before he had seen The Christ.
Wow.
I’m sure he shared that with people – I’m sure he did so excitedly… and I’m sure the older he got the more people took that with a pinch of salt.
But he was right. And as soon as he saw Jesus – he knew.
Imagine how Joesph and Mary would have felt at this moment… after the excitement of the birth – after the visit of the shepherds… (but not the Magi – that comes later) to get this extra confirmation from someone they’d never met.
There’s a blessing in here that maybe even at the time Mary and Joseph could not have fully comprehended in verse 32: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
A light to the gentiles. Here we read that Jesus’ mission is not just about coming to save Israel – but that the doors to the Kingdom of God were about to be opened to us, the Gentiles.
Jesus – our light for revelation – our only hope and saviour! Salvation prepared for all people!
