Simeon and Anna were two elderly people who had been waiting to see God bring salvation to His people. The day Jesus was brought to the Temple to be dedicated by Joseph and Mary, the Spirit of the Lord led them to see the child and prophesy and bless Him.

 

Simeon said, “My eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the faces of all peoples…” (Luke 2: 30,31). He had set eyes on the Redeemer of the whole world! He spoke prophetic words about the child which were fulfilled. Prophecies about the Messiah were well- known to the Jews and they were expectantly waiting for their fulfillment. Though many in Israel could not perceive Jesus to be the Messiah these two elderly people sensitive to the Holy Spirit understood and received Him!

 

Let us look into the prophetic word on Christ revealed in our key verse:

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• A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles...
  That Christ would be a light for the Gentiles was spoken by Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 49:6).  Another prophecy about Christ can be seen in Isaiah 9:6: “The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.” As sin covered the face of the earth, it has left man crouching and groping in darkness. The devil has taken many into captivity and they are in the prison of sin! Jesus came to set the captives free! He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12). Though He was born a Jew, His people did not receive Him; “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” (John 1:12). Jesus, the Light of the world beckons you today, brother/sister if you have lost your way in life dogged and blinded by sin and you see no way forward.  As His light floods your heart, you will know His peace and will have the light of life to guide you all through your life!

 

God’s chosen people had all the privileges of which Paul speaks in Romans 9:4-5 “…to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.” Christ came to fulfil God’s plan of salvation. The Good News is for all—“…It is God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.” (Romans 1:16 CEV) In this prophecy, Christ being the Light for the Gentiles is drawing nations of the earth to receive that light: “…And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 61:2-3)

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Whether Jew or Gentile, Christ the Saviour of the world opens His arms to come to His light. Before He comes back to earth as Judge, His grace is still extended to you and me. Do not receive the grace of God in vain: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor.6:1).

 

 

Reflect on:

“Jesus, Hope of the Nations….You are the Source of Heaven’s light on earth.”

Brian Doerksen