Letting Go and Looking Ahead
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:21-32
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation. . . .”
Our children grew up referring to one of our dear friends as “Uncle Bud.” Uncle Bud and his wife attended all our daughters’ weddings. They were always there for us. Maybe you also have family friends like them. Though Simeon was not in Jesus’ family tree, he became a part of Jesus’ story in a way like family friends do.
When Jesus, the firstborn son of Mary, was brought to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord (Exodus 13:2), Simeon was there. He had served God faithfully as he waited for the Messiah, the promised Savior, to come. Then it happened. He saw Jesus, took him in his arms, and praised God.
By faith, Simeon had claimed God’s promise that the Messiah would come. By faith, he looked ahead to the salvation that Jesus would accomplish for us. By faith, he grasped the awesome truth that the salvation brought by Jesus is available for all peoples, including you and me. No wonder Simeon was ready to move on in peace.
Christmas is past. We too must be ready to move on. Before we do, though, let me ask, “Have you seen Jesus, the Savior of the world?” You can’t hold him in your arms, but you can receive him as your Lord by faith. Then, like Simeon, you will be ready to move on as you praise God for all he has done, is doing, and will do in the future.
Father, may we, like Simeon, see all you have done and look forward to all you have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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