Simeon Vision - December 6,
2001
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who
was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the
consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved
by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the
parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the
custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms
and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have
promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my
eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in
the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." - Luke
2:25-32
When Jesus was 8 days old He was presented at the
temple for circumcision and dedication to the Lord, just
like any other Jewish baby boy. Contrary to many artists
depictions, I don't believe baby Jesus had a glowing halo
floating above his head for all to see. No, I think he
looked like an ordinary, healthy, probably sometimes
fussy, little boy. He received no special recognition
from most people, when they looked at Jesus they saw a
baby. Yet there was a man named Simeon who looked at
Jesus and saw much more. He saw the promised Messiah, the
consolation of Israel, the Christ.
Why did Simeon see what others missed? The answer lies
in His recognition of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
That attentive awareness can only come from a close and
consistent relationship with God. Simeon spent so much
time with God that he began to see the world through
God's eyes.
That's what I want. I don't expect to recognize the
Messiah in the form of a baby, but when I look at others,
I want to see them as they are ... children of God
created by Him and loved by Him unconditionally. I know
that kind of vision can only come from a heavenly
perspective, so my challenge is to be like Simeon,
righteous and devout. The first step down that road is
making time for Him today, so He can lovingly mold me
into the likeness of Jesus. In our busy world, that
challenge becomes harder each year, but the rewards
remain eternally worth the investment. Perhaps you will
join in my quest and together our eyes will begin to see
the unseen ... we'll have Simeon vision!
One little bonus thought: The Jews at Jesus time were
looking for a Messiah that would be a great King and lead
the nation of Israel to a position of prominence over the
world. Look at Simeon's description of Jesus, "a light
for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your
people Israel." From the very beginning God had planned
for a Savior not just for Israel, but for the entire
world ... including you and me. Amen!!
