Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 2:28-32 (New International Version)

²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
²⁹“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss^[d] your servant in peace.
³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon waited for the Christ. When the child arrived, Simeon took him in his arms and said a few words.

Note verse 32. In two short phrases Simeon proclaims what the Christ was to do for God’s chosen people and for the rest of the world.

For the rest of the world – the Gentiles – Christ is to be the light that will reveal God. Prior to this time, the Gentiles knew there was a god of the Jews, but they didn’t understand, they didn’t come to Him. The Christ would make God known to the Gentiles. His light would shine brightly enough that they could not ignore Him.

But then what about the Jews? What would be left for them? They would bring the Christ into the world. They would live with him. They would crucify him, but that was part of the plan. The Christ would be the ultimate contribution of the Jews – their glory.

Two little phrases by an old man waiting for the Christ. They foretell the future for two groups of people.