◄ What Does Luke 2:30 Mean? ►

No doubt, from the time it had been revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ, Simeon wondered every day: "Is it today, Lord? Will today be the day I see the promised Messiah of Israel?" We are not told whether he expected a fully grown man or a newborn babe, but he had total reassurance that he would not see death until He had seen the Lord's Messiah; the holy One of God, promised to Israel so long ago.

Simeon was righteous and devout in all his dealings, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. He had kept alive a living flame of hope in his heart, as he looked, each day, for the consolation of Israel. He knew that the One Who was to come, would bring comfort and peace to the weary, war-torn nation of Israel who, for so many centuries, had been dominated by a succession of Gentile governments and who, for so long, had fallen into careless apostasy, a false religiosity, and unrepentant sin.

No doubt he was a regular worshipper at the House of God, but at the very moment that Mary and Joseph entered the temple courtyard with their newborn baby, Simeon was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go into the Temple. It was not unusual to see parents with their young infants going in and out of the Temple precinct as they fulfilled the legal requirements of the Law. 

Every Jewish family were to circumcise their baby boys on the 8th day, and Mary and Joseph were no exception. Jesus was born under the Law. He was born under the Law in the dispensation of Israel, and from His birth He fulfilled all the righteous requirement the Law demanded. It was when His parents brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to carry out the custom of the Law, that Simeon saw the 'consolation of Israel' for Whom he had waited with inextinguishable enthusiasm.

Taking the baby Jesus in his arms, Simeon rejoiced in his heart, blessed the Lord, and was moved to utter a magnificent psalm of praise, extolling God for His faithfulness in keeping His promise to Israel. Because of his faith, God in His grace allowed Simeon to see the long-expected Jesus; the long-awaited Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world.

God's promise that this old man would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ, was answered according to His Word: "For my eyes have seen Your salvation." Simeon was ready to rest in the grave with godly saints of past generations. He was ready to depart in peace and sleep in the dust of the ground until the righteous dead will be awakened to everlasting life.

We who have the glorious gospel of God, have the privilege of reading through the psalm of praise this old man sang on the day he saw the consolation of Israel.

"Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel."

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful Psalm of praise that fell from the lips of old Simeon when he saw the baby Jesus, took Him in his arms, and praised God for His goodness, grace, and faithfulness. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the whole world. I pray that I may develop a similar faith to Simeon who lived by faith, trusted Your Word, and waited expectantly for You to fulfil all that You promised. Thank You that Your Word is altogether true and stands fast forever and ever. And thank You for Your promises to Me, that one day I will see Jesus and be made like unto Him, for Your greater glory. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.