Thursday 29^th November

Luke 2:25-33

“Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

The feeling when something great is about to happen causes us to have a sense of expectancy and anticipation. Sometimes we allow ourselves to get overly excited and then when the situation does not actually happen there is such an anti-climatic feeling that not only leads us into despondency but also into bitterness or anger.

Simeon, a righteous and just man, was in anticipation for the greatest event in history. He knew of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah who would redeem Israel. Simeon, most probably a priest in the temple as he blessed Jesus according to the Mosaic Law, was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not face death until he had seen the Christ. Can you imagine his anticipation of knowing that firstly he would see Immanuel before his death but that secondly, he himself would get to see the One who had been promised to Israel in prophetic writings throughout history?

Prompted by the Holy Spirit to go the temple that glorious day, Simeon’s expectant heart was overjoyed and not let down at the sight of the Child that was going to bring Salvation to the world. Luke describes in verses 29 and 30 the joy and contentment Simeon had at seeing the ‘Child Jesus’. He had full assurance that his ‘eyes had seen Gods Salvation’. What a scene that must have been, the jubilation and celebration Simeon must have felt. This was a divinely appointed moment in history.

Simeon states that Jesus will bring salvation to all people, both Jew and Gentile. He knew that Jesus was God incarnate and that not only was Jesus going to redeem Israel but also that all peoples might be saved through Him. Joseph and Mary in verse 33 marvelled at such news. Reading this text should excite the reader as well, as one joins in this joyous occasion.

However there is a greater truth in this that goes beyond Simeon revelation or excitement. That truth is this; Not only did Jesus bring revelation to both Gentile and Jew (verse 32), He paid the ransom that was due to us. Simeon might have expected, as did most Jews, redemption from Roman oppression. However Jesus brought more than political freedom, He gave humankind a way that we can be saved from our sins. He bridged the gap between God and Man. He gave us life and life in its fullness. No longer do we need to live a life on our own but now we can walk in liberty and freedom as “God with us” has set us free. Whom the Son set free is free indeed (John 8:36).

Simeon may not of expected what Jesus accomplished by giving His life for mankind yet He was still jubilant at the sight of Jesus. How much more should we be excited by KNOWING Jesus as our Saviour, having Him live in our lives? Lets get excited about Jesus Christ, Immanuel, the Saviour of the world!