Luke 2:26-32 It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.* Guided by the Spirit, Simeon* came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon* took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant* in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
Today is one of what we call the minor festivals. It's the day of the "Presentation of our Lord." We celebrate the day that his parents brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the ritual of presenting their firstborn child to the Lord, as all of their ancestors had done. In Jesus' case, the prophet Simeon interrupted the expected proceedings with praise of God. Simeon recognized the infant Jesus for who he was and for what God was doing in and through him. Simeon recognized it and praised God that he had lived long enough to see it.
Simeon's song has become a part of our liturgy. Many Sundays we sing Simeon's song. In Latin it's called the Nunc Dimitis. In English we usually call it the less poetic "Post-Communion Song." But the next time you are in worship and you find yourself singing: "Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled...." I want you to think of Simeon. And remember that the Lord has been presented to you... in Word and in Meal. And join Simeon in praise.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
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