Luke 2:29-30
Lord, now let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people.
Today's narrative from Luke finds Mary and Joseph presenting the baby Jesus to the temple. Simeon, an old and wise man, met the couple and child and immediately recognized Jesus. You see, the Holy Spirit revealed to Simon that before Simon would die, he would meet the savior of the world. Today was that day. When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to Simeon, there was no doubt to Simeon that his day had come. What joy he must have felt! His entire adult life had been a time of waiting, a time of hope. Now the revelation has come to pass. It was so amazing that even Mary and Joseph were surprised at Simeon. But along with this prayer of thanksgiving was also given a warning. Simeon relayed that there would be great difficulty for Jesus and for Mary. I'm sure that the holy couple had to wonder what all of this meant.
How often do we go through life and not take time to recognize the qualities of others? And if we do recognize these qualities or positive attributes, do we acknowledge them to the person? Everyone likes affirming compliments, and we should even listen to and accept criticism or heed danger when it is on the horizon. Even criticism or caution can be positive when given in the right spirit. This is what Simeon was doing. He let his inhibitions go and said what was on his heart. Pray that God gives us the holy boldness to express the truth to others, even in difficult times.
