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An Advent devotional on Luke 2:28-35
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”24 years ago, I went to the cinema with a friend to watch the movie Gladiator. I had always been fascinated by ancient civilisations and action movies, particularly those set in that time period. It went on to become my favourite movie. Although I didn’t think it needed a sequel, over the years, there seemed to be a lack of similarly epic films. So, when I heard a Gladiator sequel was a possibility, I couldn’t wait. It feels like it’s been a long wait since then, but its finally here.
Much like my long wait for the promised sequel, 2,000 years ago, a man named Simeon was waiting for the promised Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah, and Simeon put his trust in God’s faithfulness to His word. But while I am anxious about whether the Gladiator sequel will live up to expectations, the arrival of the Messiah in Simeon’s time was no disappointment.
When Simeon saw Jesus, he was overjoyed and praised God. He declared that Jesus would be “a light to reveal God to the nations” (Luke 2:32, NLT). Simeon knew that not everyone would accept Jesus as the Messiah, especially those who were hoping for a warrior to free them from Roman rule. But God's plan was much grander.
Our understanding of the world is limited. Often, we want to dictate how the story unfolds, but only God sees the bigger picture. Simeon understood this. Jesus’ purpose was not just for Israel; He came for all of humanity. Maximus' death in Gladiator freed a few slaves, but Jesus’ death freed everyone from the bondage of sin. As Romans 6:18 says, “Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.”
Since that first coming, millions around the globe have, like Simeon, put their trust in Jesus as their saviour, sharing the Good News of salvation - even at great personal risk, including death. NOW, we are free!
As believers who trust in God, we can look forward with hope to when Jesus, the light of the world, will come again as promised. Until that time, at WorldShare, we are committed to helping bring that light to the least-reached people around the globe. Through Christ-centred partnerships with locally-led ministries, we enable the light of Christ to shine where it's most needed. In this season of generosity, would you consider supporting WorldShare’s Christmas Appeal? Click here to give a gift which will help us continue and expand this vital work in 2025.
