Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)
Read Luke 2:22-40 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord Verse 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), Verse 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Verse 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. Verse 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Verse 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Verse 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Verse 29"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; Verse 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, Verse 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, Verse 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Verse 33And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Verse 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed Verse 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too." Verse 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, Verse 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. Verse 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Verse 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Verse 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Devotion
This is one of the most fascinating stories in all of Scripture. The story can draw us in and blend our hearts with those who are with the infant Jesus. It is as though we are there, too, as we hear Simeon’s important words – words that say his life-long hope and desire is now fulfilled.
The personal fulfillment of faith-centered hopes and desires is, for many of God’s older people especially, the fulfillment of life itself. In my many years of ministry, older people taught me how to journey with them through listening, lamenting, laughing and loving.
These things – listening, lamenting, laughing and loving – have, over the last few days, laid their claim on me once more. Writing devotions to share with you has been a form of personal fulfillment for me, too. Thank you!
Prayer
Thanks be to God! Jesus is with us through Scripture. Amen.