July 01, 2019

BIBLE READING: Luke 2

30 For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Normally a lot of us do not read this passage till around the Christmas season, but it is a wonderful reminder of Christ’s humble beginning here on earth. I love how the Gospels are written four times, each with their own way or emphasis. Luke, being a physician, focused more on the human side. Probably why he gives the account of Christ’s birth and other accounts. There is quite a lot going on in this chapter, and some of the only accounts given of Jesus’ childhood. We see Jesus’ Birth, His presentation in the temple, then Him as a boy talking with the rabbis in the temple.

In verses 25-35, we meet Simeon, who was promised that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. It mentioned several times in this passage that Simeon was lead by or moved by the Holy Spirit. What an honor as well to be called in Scripture as “just and devout.” After all those years, the promise was now fulfilled. Simeon was able to see Christ. Even though Christ had not died for man yet, he knew because of the promises of scripture since the fall of man (Genesis 3:15), that God would send the Messiah to pay for the sin of man and be a light to the Gentiles and Israel!

He calls Christ SALVATION. Knowing man had to be saved from their own selfish sinful ways. Then he calls him a LIGHT. Christ truly is the light of the world. Due to the sin nature, we live in a dark world, which can only be directed by the light of Jesus Christ. It took an entire lifetime for Simeon to see Christ, but yet he stayed faithful to the Lord looking forward to Christ. May we as followers of Christ stay faithful to Him, sharing the news of His Salvation and the light of His Love.

David Fulp II
Children’s Pastor