October 29 Daily Devotional

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?