Here in chapter 2, Luke introduces us to a man name Simeon
with “there was a man in Jerusalem”. Scripture does not tell us much
about this man. We don’t know how old he was, even though most of the time when
he is mentioned by Bible teachers, he is pictured as an old man. We don’t know what
his occupation was, or if he was priest living near the temple. Luke’s
information about Simeon most likely was given to him by Mary based on her
memory of that day when she and Joseph took Jesus to the temple, and of course
by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
In Luke 2:29-32, we find Simeon's response to seeing Jesus.
This is the fifth and last of the "Christmas songs" we find in Luke
1-2. There was Elizabeth’s song in 1:42-45; Mary’s song in 1:46-56; Zacharias’s
song in 1:67-79; and the angel’s song in 2:13-14. Simeon’s song is first of all
a worship hymn as he blesses God for keeping His promise and sending the
Messiah. He joyfully praises God that he has been privileged to see the Lord's
Christ. “He took Him up in his arms and blessed God” (v. 28).
My friend, this should be our first response to meeting
Jesus personally! For the first time in our life, we can truly worship God! We
can fulfill the purpose for which we were created! Worship is not just singing
a song, or lifting our hands, or feeling goosebumps because of the excitement generated
by the music we are hearing. Genuine worship comes from deep in our heart when it
has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and we experience His presence through
the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
Simeon’s song is also a salvation hymn: "For mine
eyes have seen Thy salvation" (Luke 2:30). When Simeon saw Jesus in
the arms of Mary, the Holy Spirit revealed to him who Jesus really was! Several
things need to be noted about Simeon’s salvation experience! I believe first he
recognized his need for salvation. As good as a man as he was, something was
still missing! Two things were involved in bringing him to this point in his
life. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Simeon was a true seeker of God because
of his sense of lostness. “He was devout” in his study of the Old Testament
Scriptures “looking for the Consolation of Israel.” Consolation is a word that
speaks of comfort and peace which Simeon was still waiting and looking for.
The Word of God is the seed that must be planted in hearts
that are prepared by the Holy Spirit before we can experience salvation! Peter
put it this way in 1 Peter 1:23-25, “Having been born again, not of
corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and
abides forever, because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man
as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But
the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the
gospel was preached to you.”
The Word of God received by repentant hearts produces faith
to believe and trust Jesus of our salvation. “Faith comes by hearing and
hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). This all happens through the
ministry of the Holy Spirit. At least three times the Holy Spirit is mentioned as
Simeon meets Jesus for the first time!
Simeon's song is a missionary hymn, which is something
unusual for a devout Jew standing in the temple. He sees this great salvation
going out to the Gentiles! Jesus has restored the glory to Israel and brought
the light to the Gentiles so that all people can be saved (see Luke 2:10).
Remember that the compassion of Christ for the whole world is one of Luke's
major themes. Amazing!!!! Jesus was still only a baby in their arms but by
faith Simeon saw and experience His light!
May the Lord help us to be instruments moved by the Holy
Spirit to proclaim Jesus and His salvation to the world around us today!
God bless!
