Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Sing the song of heaven

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Luke 2:22-33
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord ...and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "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."

And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him."

Simeon's song was part of the communion liturgy while I was growing up. Once a month at Zion Lutheran Church we all sang, "Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace ..."

I imagine Simeon looking a little like Willie Nelson in a robe, eyes sparkling, grin just touching his face. He has been patient, but not entirely content. God's message to him was probably as clear as most of God's messages to most of us; in other words he wasn't sure if he heard God right or not. But this day, he was more sure than usual as he went to the temple.

Something about Jesus' presence galvanized the old man. No more questions. Just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi had worshipped, so did Simeon. Jesus brought them all into the presence of God. That he was so young seemed not to make any difference. He was a Christ-child.

Simeon's prophecies include more than the Jewish nation; Jesus will be the salvation of all people. This doesn't sound quite right echoing off the temple walls. The Jews have been God's people for generations; now as one of them Jesus will bring God's salvation to the rest of the world. Can this be? Jesus' mission will divide them like nothing has divided them before. Simeon goes on to warn Mary that Jesus' future will be also be painful for her. "A sword will pierce your own soul too" (v. 35).

This moment with Jesus was the most important of Simeon's life. It brought him fulfillment and peace. He wanted nothing else from his days on earth. He had always belonged to God; now he had seen him. He received the gift God had for him, and passed it on.

Lord, it is true for all of us: you will bring us more in a moment than we can know or achieve in all the rest of our lives. Open my eyes and ears only to you, Lord.

Devotions Archive

Sing the song of heaven

Tuesday, December 30, 2008