The song of Simeon
Luke 2:16 27-32 (NIV)
27 Moved by the spirit, he [Simeon] went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God saying,
29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel.”
Good morning!
Simeon had waited a long time to see the face of His Lord and the consolation of Israel. He was an old man, faithful and devout in prayer, worship and praise. The Holy Spirit was with Simeon on the day baby Jesus was brought the temple to receive his blessing and circumcision, as required by the law. The Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
When Simeon entered the temple courts that day, Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to him. Simeon picked the child up, held Him in his arms, and began to sing a song of praise to the Lord, prophesying who this child really was and what incredible things would occur in his life. Simeon recognized that Jesus was the one he had waited for; that his people Israel were waiting for, and that Jesus would be Israel’s glory, and a light to all the Gentiles. He knew that the Christ would cause the rising and falling of many people, and the thoughts of all hearts would be revealed through Him. Simeon knew that Mary would suffer because of baby Jesus’ rejection and her soul would be pierced by the sword of grief.
Simeon’s song is often referred to in Latin as the Nunc Dimittis. The words to the Nunc Dimittis are captured in the first phrase of Simeon’s song, “Nunc Dimittis servum tuum, Domine,” meaning, “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord.” There was no doubt that Simeon had seen God as he held the Savior of the world in his arms that day, revealed to him by the power of the Holy Spirit. This was a song of affirmation for the glory of God, and confirmed what Mary and Joseph knew to be true in the hearts. This child is the very presence of God in their midst. Their influence in His life would help shape and form Him as he grew in wisdom and in grace. His life would change their lives forever. What a powerful song sung by a faithful and loving servant of God.
While we may never hold the baby Jesus in our arms as Simeon did that day, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to reveal Jesus, the risen Christ. We rejoice, knowing that the baby Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of all prophecy. He is the long-awaited Messiah, our Emmanuel. He is God with us, and we can worship Him for who he really is. Come to church with me this weekend, and see for yourself what God has done. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, so that you can sing the song of Simeon as we gather to worship our Savior.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the power of the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and reveal in your heart what you know to be true – Jesus Christ is the Holy Son of the Living God! He came to give us life, today and for every tomorrow. Let us sing the song of Simeon together as we worship our Savior and Lord.
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© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
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