Day 5 – Peace
“And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:27-32
Are we willing to follow, even when we have done it so many times before. The Spirit led Simeon to the temple, but this day would be different. So many times, with autopilot on, I go through the memorized routines, yet I don’t expect, don’t look for what God has promised. Simeon dutifully went and met the hope that he had been longing for. The beauty of this moment, is of Simeon holding the Christ that he had so long been praying for, should not be passed by quickly. For in it we see God’s intimacy and intentionality. God didn’t have to include Simeon, but He did, and this inclusion ripples through what Simeon says, “my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” Simeon knew that this hope was for more than just the Jews; it was for the world, and it would bring peace.
Inward: Immanuel, what do you want me to know? Where do I need the hope that you have given to bring peace to my life? How do I need to listen to you? Where are you leading me?
Outward: Immanuel, what do you want me to do? What are some ways I can share this hope beyond what I may normally do? How can I share this hope with the world, for you came for us all?
