2. Depart in peace
Luke 2: 25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, ato carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Jesus arrives at the temple as a baby. After 40 days have passed and the family has fulfilled the requirement of the Law for their purification after the first born male was born the child is brought for their circumcision. Jesus was no different. Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple. He arrives.
While there a man approaches and takes Jesus into his arms and prays to God. This man’s name is Simeon and this is his moment. His moment has arrived.
This moment was told to him by God through the Holy Spirit. He was told that he would not die before he would see the Messiah. As Jesus arrives at the Temple Simeon knows that this baby is the Messiah and so he says to God, “Now I can depart in peace.” He says that God has fulfilled His promise to Simeon to see the Christ and that is baby Jesus. So now Simeon can die and be at peace.
What a wonderful promise from God. God gives us many promises in Scripture. What is one of your favorite promises from God?