I've Been Thinking About Simeon
Simeon's story comes in Luke 2:25-35, set in the temple at Jerusalem, just weeks after the birth of Jesus. He's never mentioned again in Scripture. But his life and words shout with hope and expectation and promise and fulfillment - the deepest themes of the Christmas story.
I won't unpack the whole passage, but mention just one part of Simeon's message. When things were very dark, he spoke of hope.
Hope Pierces Circumstances
At the time of Jesus' birth, Israel was under Roman rule. In fact, they'd been under foreign rule-from Babylon to Persia to Greece to Rome-for hundreds of years. First Century Judea was a tough time and place to live. In the darkness, Simeon's words were prophetic and filled with hope. The text says:
"He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah."
The Proclamation of Hope Elicits Pause
As he took the newborn Savior in his arms, Simeon said, "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace...I have seen your salvation..."
Wow! Full stop.
That proclamation in Simeon's prayer causes me to pause. It prompts me to ask myself, "What could happen in my life that would make me pray those words?"
Hope Is Rooted In Prayer
I don't know about you, but my die-a-happy-man list is a short one. Aside from spiritual transformation in the lives of everyone in my family, there are a few things that I have consistently prayed for many times over a period of many years.
One supplication on my short, pray-without-ceasing list is to see God bring a Christ-awakening to our country and our world through the young people of our nation. I yearn to see the Great Commission fulfilled in my lifetime. That, my friends, would allow me to die a happy man.
And you? What do you hope for? What do you pray for that would allow you to die in peace?
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Doug Clark is the National Field Director for NNYM and serves as Team Pastor for our staff. To connect with Doug, send him an email.
