Encounters with Jesus - Pt 2

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32 ESV).

We continue our look at the Encounters with Jesus by looking toward Jesus’ presentation at the temple and the confrontation that Joseph and Mary had with Simeon. He was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the long-expected Messiah. When he saw Jesus, Simeon, moved by the Spirit, took him in his arms, recognizing him as the Messiah and describing him as God's 'salvation to all men, Jew and Gentile alike. In his words the mission of Jesus is far bigger and more impactful than the political restoration of Israel. He makes the clear that God is revealed through Jesus to the whole world and in and through him salvation is now come to mankind. There is certainly much to be learned from the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 49:6; 52:15; and 53:1-3). However, I am more encouraged by the initial reaction of Simeon. This is not the response of an old theologian’s gratitude for the affirmation of his life-long study of the revelation of God. This is the joyful outburst of an old man who is ready to go to his home in the presence of God. He is now ready to “depart in peace.” His work is done; his service is complete, his glory is about to be placed on him in the final mantle of eternal life. Stoning was the traditional punishment among Christian martyrs, though there are more than sufficient references to crucifixions, beheadings, boiling in oil, set on fire while still alive, and being devoured by ravenous wild beasts that we know it was not an easy way to die. The best reference we have in the Scripture is that of Stephen (cf. Acts 6-7). Early tradition says he held the basket of stones with which he was stoned. His last words are given to us in the Scripture: “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56 ESV). He was not a man who shirked his calling, nor did he fear the result of a certain horrible death. He knew what waited for him. We can learn from both Simeon and Stephen. Death is merely the doorway home. Be faithful until God calls, but rejoice when He does!