Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32
How Long Have You Been Waiting
Daily Devotion – January 6, 2019
Devotion based on Luke 2:28-32
See series: Devotions
How long did you wait—for that perfect partner, that perfect job, that perfect house? Once you had what you were waiting for, was it everything you had hoped it would be? Is your marriage perfect in every way? Do you absolutely love driving to work every day? Is your house without defect of any kind? I didn’t think so. Most of the time, the people and things we wait for fail to live up to our expectations.
Simeon was waiting for the promised Savior. And, unlike your marriage partner or job or house, when Simeon received what he was waiting for, it was perfect in every way. It is why Simeon was able to tell the Lord, “You now dismiss your servant in peace.” Simeon could die in peace because his eyes had seen his salvation. Imagine Simeon letting the baby wrap his little hand around his finger, the way babies do. That same hand would be pierced by a spike and nailed to a tree. That same precious face would be darkened by fists and bloodied by a crown of thorns. But that act would mean light for a sin-darkened world.
And that means you, dear friend. Jesus was born for you, to die for you, to win forgiveness for you. Like Simeon you can say, “Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace. For even though I may not have the perfect marriage, perfect job, or the perfect house, I have peace—the peace of knowing I have eternal life through you.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when you finally dismiss this servant through death, I know that when I open my eyes again, they will see your face, for you have done what you have promised for me. May I always sing your praises as Simeon did. Amen.
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