Do You See What Simeon Saw?

DO YOU SEE WHAT SIMEON SAW?

Simeon was an old man who lived in Palestine at the time of Christ's birth. God's word describes him as "just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25).

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he saw the Christ. Was Simeon's anticipation simply to see a baby, even a miracle baby? NO! His great anticipation concerned both who the baby was and what the baby would accomplish, for this babe was God's eternal Son come in the flesh. This babe would grow into manhood, and in all that He would say and do, up unto and including His death, He would establish the only ground of peace between God and a multitude of sinners, Jew and Gentile, chosen out of Adam's fallen race. This babe was the Redeemer of spiritual Israel. He came to take the punishment of their sins upon Himself. He would, by His life and death, as the Substitute of God's elect establish the only righteousness which God would accept and enable Him to be just and justify them. This is the consolation of Israel which Simeon anticipated. By Christ's blood and righteousness all of God's chosen would be eternally justified and bless. Simon saw this with the eye of God-given faith in the promise of the Gospel of Christ. Simeon believed the same promise Abraham of old believed. He saw Christ and salvation in Him just as Moses and the prophets had foretold. Simeon knew that there was nothing good in himself. He was redeemed by the blood of Christ and justified before God based on the righteousness of Christ imputed to him. And when he saw Christ, he said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: FOR MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THY SALVATION" (Luke 2:29-30). This is what Simeon saw. Do you see it too? If not, ask the Lord to reveal it to you.

- written by Bill Parker, pastor of Eager Avenue Grace Church in Albany Georgia

 

Thank you, and to you as well.