Catching the Vision
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:25-32
“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.”
—Luke 2:30-31
Simeon was waiting for God to act. Then one day, when he saw the child Jesus in the temple, the Spirit of God moved him to recognize that through this child God would do everything he had promised.
Simeon showed amazing trust in God. I’m not sure that I would have been as easily satisfied as Simeon seemed to be on that day. The concerns he had been praying about were not instantly addressed. Israel was still occupied by Roman soldiers and officials. The religious leaders in Israel had political agendas and did not care for disadvantaged people the way they should. How could Simeon say he had seen salvation?
In the past, God had performed miracles that made drastic changes. He parted the waters of the sea, healed diseases, and even raised dead people back to life. When we pray for God to act, we are often looking for immediate change. We want to see noticeable results that cannot be denied. But on the day Simeon met Jesus in the temple, God did not immediately change things. Instead, the presence of Jesus changed Simeon.
The Holy Spirit opened Simeon’s eyes. A man who had been waiting for consolation was able to praise God for salvation because he witnessed the presence of the Almighty. The peace that comes from knowing that God is already present may be a greater gift than any changed situation.
Lord, open my eyes to see your salvation today, that I may be encouraged as I wait for your plans to be fulfilled. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!