The Gift of Peace

(Luke 2:25-33 NKJV)

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just 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. So, he came by 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 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

He took Him up in his arms:

• He was holding in his arms the fulfillment of God’s promise to not only himself, but the promise to the world of our Redeemer.
• He, an ordinary man, had the privilege and the honor to prophesy over God Himself. WOW.
• The amazing thing about Simeon’s prophecy is that it shows that this light is for the Gentiles also. The salvation of Jesus began with Israel but was always to be extended beyond Israel.

Simeon was experiencing the joy and the peace of God keeping His promises. He knew immediately when he saw Jesus that He was the One. Can you just imagine? You have been waiting your entire life for the One who would save you to be born. God has already told you that you will live to see it. Then suddenly, THERE HE IS! You see Him. You take Him in your arms and cradle Him. Oh, the joy!

But you also feel a peace like nothing you have ever felt. Now you can die happy. Imagine that peace. When I first thought about this, I was almost envious of Simeon. I thought, "Man, I would love to know what that peace felt like." Immediately, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "You can. I left you that, remember?"

You see this peace is the same peace that Jesus spoke of when He said,

(John 14:27 NKJV) "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Friends, I encourage you, that peace is available to every believer in every situation. Like most of us, Simeon was just an ordinary man that was gifted with extraordinary peace. Let us always remember to draw on that peace no matter our circumstances.

May the LORD bless you and keep you; make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.