December Devotions and Doodles – Day 16 (December 16)
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25-35
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
December 16 Devotional: Eyes to See
Simeon is someone we don’t normally talk about at Christmastime, but he is really inspiring! Jesus was widely rejected by the Jews as the Messiah during His lifetime. However, here is a man who is so in tune with God and so responsive to the Holy Spirit that he recognizes Jesus as the Messiah before any miracles are done or even hearing the circumstances of His birth.
Righteous and Devout
Simeon was a righteous man, following the ways of God. He was devout, devoted to God with his whole heart and mind. He was focused on living a life that would please God.
Looking Forward
Simeon was not stuck in the past, mired in past failures or rehearsing past victories. It says he was “looking forward” to the coming of the Messiah. And he has been given a promise that he will see the Messiah before he dies.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:26
Guided by the Holy Spirit
This passage tells us that Simeon has the Holy Spirit and is guided by the Spirit. He follows where the Spirit leads and listens to what the Spirit says. On this particular day, he is led by the Holy Spirit to enter the temple at the same time that Joseph and Mary are bringing Jesus there.
Eyes to See
Because he is righteous, because he is looking forward, because he is guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon has eyes to see Jesus for Who He really is. He is not just a baby, but the Messiah, the King of the Jews.
Simeon’s response is one of praise. He holds Jesus and praises God. Then, he begins to prophecy.
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.
Jesus is right there in the presence of all peoples – what they have been longing for and hoping for and this man Simeon is one of the only ones to recognize the Savior when He appears.
He has insight that most do not recognize: that Jesus will be a light to the Gentiles (not just the Jewish people). Like the great Star that drew Wise Men from far away, Jesus will be a Light to the whole world.
He is the glory of Israel, its crown and anointed One.
Parents Amazed
Joseph and Mary have met with angels, had the shepherds appear because of what the angels told them. And yet, when Simeon says these things, the Bible says that they are “amazed.”
They know who Jesus is. I think they are amazed that Simeon recognizes it. That he has eyes to see the Light.
Simeon blesses them. Then, he almost warns them. He prophecies and lets them know that being the parents of Jesus will not be without pain and suffering. Jesus is going to be opposed – not everyone will recognize Him as the Messiah. Their hearts and souls will be broken as they experience His suffering with Him.
Simeon truly has eyes to see. He sees Jesus.
December 16 – Action Step:
Today (December 16), do we have eyes to see Jesus, the Light of the World? Are we like the wise men who see the star? Are we like Simeon, so full of the Holy Spirit that we recognize God’s plan at a glance?
Let’s pray to become people like Simeon this season, with eyes to see our Salvation.
Prayer:
Dear God, Open the eyes of our hearts to see Your Salvation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to follow His guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Drawing Tutorial – December 16: How to draw the Star
- Start with a tall skinny triangle with the bottom missing.
- Leave a small space and then make a longer, upside down version of what you drew in Step #1.
- Draw two sideways step 1 triangles to connect to the openings.
- At each of the angles formed by the triangles, draw a straight line out at a diagonal.
- Finish off with circle that starts about 2/3 of the way up the Step 1 triangle.
Click here to check out other posts in this series: December Devotions and Doodles!