GOD’S GIFT OF LIGHT (1)

“A LIGHT to bring REVELATION to the Gentiles, and the GLORY of Your people Israel” – Luke 2:32

The Revelation of Redemption, Grace, and Glory comes with GOD’S GIFT of LIGHT: “A LIGHT to bring REVELATION to the Gentiles, and the GLORY of Your people Israel” (Lk.2:32). These words were part of the Song of Simeon, a righteous man who had been promised by God that he would not die until he had witnessed the promised Hope of Israel, the Seed of the woman, the Servant of God, the Saviour of the world, the appointed Messiah for whom all Israel was waiting, Who would save His people from their sin. Simeon lived in Jerusalem amidst the rebellious apostasy and gross unbelief that had enveloped Israel for many generations. But he kept his heart comforted and his hope in God alive by looking, day by day, in expectation for the consolation of Israel.

The Spirit of God was on this dear man whom God had chosen to prophesy of the arrival of the Light of the world – “the True Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (Jh.1:9). As Simeon visited the Temple that day, he saw Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus, Whom they had brought for both circumcision and dedication, as required by the Jewish Law. His heart was stirred by the Holy Spirit to take the baby into his arms and sing his memorable song of praise and thanksgiving! God's gift to Simeon was truly precious. Yet he is simply the embodiment of all of every nation, race, and culture who are seeking God's salvation, which is for all people!

Simeon demonstrated childlike trust in God, expected His Word to be fulfilled to the letter, and his faith in the Word was not disappointed. Today, we have the full and final revelation of God in His inspired Word. God’s Light has dawned. Jesus is that Light to the Gentiles. The Light of His love and forgiveness has shone into our hearts who are saved by grace through faith in Him. We, like Simeon, should believe all that God has written in His Word, with childlike expectation that our eyes will see our Saviour, as we wait for His return for His Church.

The prayer of Simeon of old is still relevant in today’s world. The world over, Believers are working for the Lord to the bring the Light of God’s revelation of salvation to sinners, healing broken hearts and blighted bodies, delivering the afflicted, restoring addicts, supporting the weak, loving the lost, embracing the hopeless, and doing the work of missions among the poorest of people and in the most deprived communities on Earth – the continuing ministry of Christ and His unending work of salvation.

Despite the struggles and sufferings of multitudes on Earth, Christ’s Light continues to reveal the Way to redemption, restoration, and fullness of Grace and Glory. Indeed, God’s prime Gift to man is Light – Jesus Christ, the Light of the world!