Wednesday 29 December 2010
- Bible Book:
- Luke
"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelatino to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." (vv. 30-32)
Background
This is Luke's account of the purification of Mary andpresentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple. Luke is concernedto show that Jesus is brought up according to the laws of Judaism,which would require sacrifices to ensure both Mary's purificationafter childbirth (Leviticus 12) and the redemption of a firstbornson (Exodus 13:11-16).
But at the Temple they meet a "righteous and devout" man Simeon(verse 25) who is longing for the "consolation of Israel", that isthe promise of the messianic age to come. "Guided by the Spirit"(verse 27) Simeon takes the infant Jesus in his arms and offers themuch-loved benediction which Christians now know as the NuncDimittis. (This title is taken from the Latin translation of itsopening line, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant inpeace" (verse 29).)
Simeon's long wait is fulfilled in Jesus, but his hopes are notrestricted to the Jewish nation alone. His words echo the prophecyof Isaiah (Isaiah 40:5;
However, Simeon's words also contain a warning, particularly forhis mother Mary. Not everyone will accept Jesus. "This child isdestined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel" (verse34) and "a sword will pierce your own soul too" (verse 35), apointer perhaps to Mary's future experience of desolation by theCross.
To Ponder
Simeon has been longing and waiting for theconsolation of Israel. What role do we allow for 'waiting on God'in our faith?
Simeon's hope is not for Israel alone but for allnations. How far do our hopes and aspirations include others?
Simeon's word to Mary includes both comfort andchallenge. How far is that also true of God's word to us?