My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation

One of the wondrous events that surrounded the birth of Christ was the interaction with Simeon when Jesus was about 6 weeks old. Here we see an "Old Testament believer" who evidenced saving faith in the coming of the Christ. Clearly, believing Jews were saved by looking forward to the Messiah, even as we are saved by looking backward to the Messiah. Simeon was described as "just and devout," and "waiting for the consolation of Israel." Most revealing is the statement that "the Holy Spirit was upon him," so we know he was loving, joyful, peaceful, etc. The Lord had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. Not only did he get to see the Messiah, but he was granted the privilege of holding Him in his arms, and prophesying of Him. He declared that the salvation had arrived which is the glory of His people Israel; that Jesus would be a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles; that some would fall and rise by Him; that He would be a sign which would be spoken against, a sign that would reveal the thoughts of many hearts; and that a sword would pierce his mother's soul. Once Simeon saw the savior, he seemed ready to depart this life. "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace..." It's as if this was his last remaining task on earth. This sermon is a revision of "Simeon Sees His Savior," preached in 2006.