Luke 2:22-35 - Rewards of patience
Scripture:
Luke 2:22-35
22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"),
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 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.
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel."
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed --
35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul -- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
Yet again, God is affirming the work that He is doing here, confirming that Jesus is the Christ. As Mary and Joseph take the Child to the temple according to the Law (verses 22-24), Simeon is led by God (verse 27a) to go and meet them there. Clearly, God is leaving no doubt that He is at work!
This is also such a great picture of the reward of trusting in God. Simeon had been told at some time that he would be allowed to see the Messiah (Jesus) before he died (verse 26), and now God has brought it to pass (verse 28).
You can feel the excitement and joy that Simeon was feeling in his prayer of praise (verses 29-32). What an honor that God would allow him to see the One to Whom all of the prophets of the Old Testament had looked for and spoken of, and Who would be Savior not only to Israelites who followed Him, but to all who trusted in Him (e.g. the gentiles, as well). Truly the most momentous event in all of human history, and Simeon was privileged to see it begin!
This is such an exhortation to us to trust and obey the Lord. Who knows how long Simeon waited for this moment, but when it came it was more than worth it. I know in my own life, I've had to wait on God's timing for things I felt confident that He had promised to me. Though waiting at times seemed like utter torture, when the right time came, it was as if I hadn't waited at all! And it even makes the answers seem that much more priceless when they come, knowing how long they were waited for.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord, for just how wonderful You are. Thank You that the things You say You will do, You follow through on, if I'll just wait on You! Give me patience as I wait for even more things that You have in store for me, and thank You for the greatest of these, my place in heaven with You.
Amen
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