Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Today’s passage takes a sidestep to a man called Simeon.

As readers, we aren’t told too much about him or his situation, but we know that he is a righteous and devout man. He also sounds like he’s at death’s door but the Holy Spirit has revealed something to him about the timing of his death. Namely, not just yet.

Simeon has been told what’s on the list before he leaves this earth.

So, when the Messiah, young child that he is, is brought to the temple, Simeon is moved by the Spirit to go there also.

Did you notice that as you read? ‘Moved by the Spirit’.

Simeon didn’t manipulate the events. He didn’t know all the details, but he didn’t have to know them. The Spirit did it all.

The Spirit brought Simeon to the temple at just the right time, thereby fulfilling the prophecy surrounding the timing of his death. What was promised was fulfilled. Simeon did not die – until after he saw the Christ child.

This led to Simeon declaring in praise that he had seen salvation, which he had. And Simeon understood too just how global this salvation would be: Christ would be ‘in the sight of all nations.’

For there is no tribe or tongue that is restricted from the love and grace of Christ. The baby born in the manger is for everyone.

So this passage explores a few things:

God is sovereign and he knows and controls all the days ordained for us. We cannot be taken from this earth if it is outside of the will of God. It’s simply impossible. We are always being held tightly in the safe and sovereign arms of Jesus, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

God always keeps his promises. He cannot lie. He cannot change his mind.

Secondly, the baby Jesus is central to God’s mission. Simeon knew what he was waiting for, and then when he saw it, he jumped right in and took action. He picked up the baby and praised God, declaring who Jesus is and that he is the only way to salvation.

God is always on time. Again we don’t have to manipulate anything. God knows the end from the beginning, and everything in between.

Finally the passage shows us that Jesus is for everyone.

Let no one ever tell you that you are outside of Jesus’ reach. It’s simply impossible to be outside of Jesus’ reach. Because Jesus’ reach is global.

He’s got the whole world in his hands. And that includes you.

Yours with a sovereign Lord,

Alison