Word of Encouragement (12/23/2020)

Luke 2:29-32

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man (Luke 2:25). This didn’t mean that he was perfect in his righteousness, of course. He was respected by others for his religious devotion to God. Interestingly, Simeon’s description as a righteous and devout man is immediately followed by a modifying phrase, “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). The defining character of his righteousness and religious devotion was the fact that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel. What was “the consolation of Israel”? The next verse makes it clear that “the consolation of Israel” was “the Lord's Christ” (v. 26).

We often define righteousness/goodness in terms of what we do and how we do it. But maybe even more important is why we do it. Is it to make ourselves look good in the eyes of others or to satisfy our sense of duty? The latter is much better than the former, of course. But the Bible points us to a more personal/covenantal reason: out of our love and longing for God. That seems to be what was behind Simeon’s righteousness.

When Simeone sees Baby Jesus and holds Him in his arms, He sings under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace…” (v. 29). What does this tell us? Though Simeon was considered a righteous and devout man, doing his best to keep the Law of Moses throughout his life, he did not find true comfort and consolation in the Law. Though he led a long, full life, He could not depart in peace. Yet, no sooner than he encountered the Baby Jesus and held Him in his arms did he praise God for letting him depart from this world in peace! Something about this Baby Jesus brought him a sense of peace, which far surpassed whatever peace and satisfaction that all his life's effort of observing the Law might have brought him.

What will it take for you to depart from this world in peace? What do you have to do beforehand? What do you have to accomplish? What do you have to have? How long do you have to live? Is it so important? Does the meaning and value of your life depend on it? Is your life incomplete without it? Are you sure?

If you have been led to Christ by the Holy Spirit, if you have had the privilege of embracing this Baby Jesus in your arms of faith, then you can sing with Simeon, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” (vv. 29-31)! We don't know how long God will allow us to live on this earth. But no matter how long or short, we have this assurance that, even if God should call us home now, we can depart in peace—all on account of Jesus Christ. If so, however long we should live in this life, we should live not for the things that cannot truly satisfy but for the One, who alone can satisfy us as nothing in this world can! May this Christmas peace fill your heart this season!