Bible Reading:
Luke 2:25-35
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Devotional:
How do we accept death as it comes to our home, whether it comes to a grandparent, a parent, or a child? Is there peace at such a time, undergirding us through the sorrow? Simeon said, 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace ..." (2:29).
Geldenhuys pictures a slave in ancient Israel, on a lonely hill at night, keeping watch on behalf of his master for the rising of a particular star. After waiting long hours he finally sees the star rising, bright and beautiful. He announces it with joy. Then he is released from his charge and freed from further watch.
This is the picture of Simeon. Malachi had spoken of the coming of the 'Sun of righteousness' (Malachi 4:2). Simeon was waiting for this Sun, this Star of the House of Jacob. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him 'that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ' (2:26). Now he stands at last with the Christ-child in his arms! His task is completed. He may depart in peace.
Simeon's announcement is of a salvation which is to include all people. God had given indications of this through the years, and with ever-increasing clearness! The family of God is to be extended far beyond the walls of Jerusalem and the bounds of Palestine. The Star will project its healing rays to the ends of the earth and will enable God's people to have peace, even at the point of death.
The way we accept death is an indication of our relationship with the Saviour. Are we anticipating being with Him? Do we really believe that we shall be with Him? Are we confident that a departing believing loved one is now with the Saviour, which is 'far better' (Philippians 1:23)?
And during life are we making sure that we and the members of our family are aware of the importance of believing God's Word concerning the way of salvation?
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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