Luke 2:25-35
Suggested further reading: Philippians 1:19-26
Simeon reminds us that God has believers even in the worst of places and in the darkest of times. True faith was rare at the time of Christ’s birth, having been replaced by false doctrines and human traditions. Yet here is Simeon, a man of true faith.
God never leaves Himself without a witness. Small as His true church may be, the gates of hell shall never completely prevail against it. There is a Lot in Sodom, an Obadiah in Ahab’s house, a Daniel in Babylon, and in the last days of the Dispensation of Law, when iniquity abounded, there is Simeon.
We should take comfort in this thought. It is a truth which we are apt to forget, causing despondency. Elijah’s complaint that he alone was left was answered by God’s keeping of seven thousand faithful in Israel.
Simeon shows us how completely we can be delivered from the fear of death. He speaks like one for whom the grave has lost its terrors, and the world its charms. He desires to be released from the miseries of this world and to be allowed to go to heaven. He knows to where he is going at death and does not care how soon he goes. The change with him will be a change for the better and he desires that change may come.
What is it that can enable one to use such language? What can deliver us from a fear of death? What can take away the sting of death? Nothing but strong faith can do it—that lays hold on an unseen Savior, and rests on the promises of an unseen God, faith, and only faith, can enable us to look death in the face and say, “I depart in peace.”
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
