Devo Luke 2

Chapter 2
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and
devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was
upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the
temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what
the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying: 29”Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss 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.” 33The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined
to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a
sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Meditation:
1. Simeon’s prayer is a prayer of completion. He spent a long life of hopeful
prayer and faithful witness. What he has been praying for all his life is now
present in this infant. He takes the child in his arms and blesses him, and the
parents. Simeon holds the purpose and meaning of his life in his arms. He’s
now ready to die.
2. The prayers of Mary and Simeon are complementary to each other: the
young Mary starting out in submission to God’s word; the old Simeon ending
in submission to God’s word. Mary and Simeon submissively and believingly
spoke the prayer: “according to your word”(1:38, 2:29).
3. Re-read the two prayers by Mary and Simeon (1:38, 2:29). Focus on the
words “according to your word”. Listen to what God is speaking to me. How
could I use this phrase “according to your word” in my response prayer today?

Personal Note:
Simeon and Mary are devout people who had great faith and trust in God.  They witnessed God's salvation and hope.  In my current season of my life, I am preparing to get married.

According to the Word of God, I am called to promise my deepest love to my future wife, my fullest devotion, and my tenderest care.  Eph 5:25-31.  A man is called to to the head of the household, I am called to lead our lives into a life of faith and hope in Christ Jesus through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.