My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation

Key Bible Passage:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:25-35)

Reflect: 

In whom do you confide? Who confides in you?

Just about every military organization has that person who enjoys everyone’s confidence. God confides in people too. God promised Simeon he would not die before seeing the Messiah, who would be a “light” to non-Jews and “glory” to Jews.

“The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant known to them.” (Psalm 25:14 NIV).

Simeon’s Song, also called Simeon’s Canticle or the Nunc dimmitis (Latin for now you dismiss), is another prayer tucked into the Christmas story, teaching us both about Christ and about being people in God’s confidence. Meditate on it throughout the day.

Respond: 

• Listen to “Simeon’s Song” by James Beauregard or by Tommy Walker, or “Now That I’ve Held Him in My Arms” by Michael Card. Think about your spiritual positioning.