Simeon's Praise
Luke 2:28-32
28 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 natural response when someone gives you a gift that is particularly meaningful and fills you heart with appreciation and gratitude is praise and thanksgiving to the giver. Many have been kind to us through the years at Christmas time. Our hearts are full of appreciation and praise memories, parties, specials in church, but not nearly so as to the Lord, who gives and gives again.
Simeon's praise and adoration unto the Lord acknowledges Him for who He is after holding the baby in his arms. He is saying, “You are the sovereign Lord. God, maker of heaven and earth. You are is supreme and sovereign over the history and events that surround us in the world. Your plan is unfolding for the redemption of mankind”
The wait was worth it. It may not have seemed so at the time, but now Simeon realizes with a full heart to God. No, God may not act the way we want Him to and not by our timetable, but nobody ever said God had to consult us as to how He wishes to control His world. He is Lord. We have no rights. He does. We may fight and pout and sin and disobey, but He will have His way for our blessing or curse.
Simeon feels he can die now, for God kept His promise to him.
Maybe the death of someone close to you, a broken relationship, or some other tragedy has caused you to pray, "Lord, let me die, take me home. Life is more than I can handle."
Maybe this Christmas is one of your saddest because you so miss your loved one and don’t want to face another year. But don’t tune God out. Allow your focus to be on the joy of what awaits us.
Note Simeon's attitude is totally opposite. He is ready to die, not because his life was so empty, but because it was so full. He was so full of joy, so content. He knows that anything else whatever will happen to him will not match the ultimate experience he's just had of holding the Messiah in his arms.
Our dreams and God's promises are two different things you know. Just because we want something really badly doesn't mean that is in the plan of God. We can pray, ask, and trust if it is for His glory. Simeon knew he could die anytime, but what he had been waiting for had arrived.
Simeon’s praise included a light in the darkness for the Gentiles to know God and for the glory of Israel, since the message had already been made clear to them about God, His love and power.
Simeon saw the hope of the world in Jesus and his personal peace in God's special favor with him. He could go in peace and was ready to die.
Can you rest in peace trusting God's promises? Pray- I praise you Lord, for your promises to me purchased by Christ!
