The Faith of Simeon

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"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."

Luke 2:29-32

After several years of marriage, a well-known actress attempted to cook a Christmas dinner for her family. Before serving the meal, she sat her husband and son down at the table and said, "If it doesn't look good, I don't want you to say a thing. Just get up from the table, and we'll go to the nearest restaurant for dinner. A few moments later, she walked into the dining room with her turkey. Her husband and son were already standing with their coats and hats on!

Isn't it amazing how our expectations control our conduct! This morning I want to share with you the story of a man whose faith in the coming Messiah changed the way he lived his life. Luke 2:25-35 tells us about Simeon-a man who was waiting for the Saviour. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until He had seen Jesus Christ.

It was a Jewish custom that parents would bring their new baby to the temple for a time of sacrifice and dedication to God. Leviticus 12:6-7 states, "And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female." Mary and Joseph, who were rejoicing in the birth of their Son and Saviour, brought baby Jesus to the temple.

It was on this visit to the temple that Joseph and Mary met Simeon. When the old man saw the child, he took the baby up into his arms and said, "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Simeon was a man of faith; he was patiently waiting for the Messiah. His expectations were based on John 1:1,14, "In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God...and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Simeon had faith that God would keep His promises concerning a Saviour for the redemption of mankind. He prophesied that Gentiles and Jews would be saved in Luke 2:32! We read in Romans 10:12-13, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Simeon's expectant hope in the Messiah caused him to live a life of meaning. His outlook determined his outcome. What are you looking for this Christmas? If you are looking for the Lord you will never be disappointed!