Daily Worship

Simeon

Jane Denniston December 10, 2015 0 0

Luke 2: 21 – 34a

21 After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word; 
for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them.

The faith of Simeon indicts me
It heaps coals of fire on my head. 
I am not so strong
So faithful
So accomplished at trusting your word
In the absence of evidence.
When waiting seems never-ending,
When hope of answer seems impossible
When faith is wilting,
I fade …

I am shamed by the faith of others, who
"believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.
believe in love, even though [they] don't feel it.
believe in God, even when he is silent."
Can I believe with such faith? 

Can I have the patience of Simeon, 
who waited throughout his whole life
for the fulfilment of your promise?

“How long, O Lord?”