A Light to the Nations

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!

– Luke 2:32 NLT

The man making this prophecy was named Simeon, who had just taken the baby Jesus into his arms. Here’s how Luke tells the story:

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:22, 25-32

Simeon was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. It’s likely true that many in Israel were waiting for the same thing, hoping for the Lord to deliver Israel from Roman rule. But what makes Simeon unique is that the Holy Spirit was upon him and told him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

Well, the day had come, and the Holy Spirit led him to the temple. As Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord, Simeon intercepted him, took Jesus in his arms, and praised God. He first praised Him for being faithful, because the Lord had kept His promise. The expectation was over, and he could die in peace. Then comes the prophecy.

“I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

He proclaimed the name of Jesus — salvation is from the Lord. But that salvation wasn’t just for Israel, it was for all people. And years before Jesus declared that He was “The Light of the World,” Simeon prophesied that very truth. Light had indeed come into the world; Jesus would reveal God, and He would be the glory of Israel.

Today’s One Thing

Imagine that you’re at the temple, watching all this. Would you have the same enthusiasm and joy as Simeon? The same amazement as Mary and Joseph? Or would you have the same calloused perspective as the priests and other temple staff, just repeating an endless string of sacrifices day after day. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit. So why not greet this season with enthusiasm and joy. Proclaim the Lord keeps His promises, and the light has come into the world.

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