The Blessing
Simeon and Anna were known to be devout, totally focused on the Lord, thy God.
Anna, a widow who was now 84, remained in the temple for decades, never leaving as she prayed without ceasing.
Her devotion to God was well known. Her words to the crowd regarding Jesus were heard and received as a true affirmation of the redemption of Israel.
We read that the Spirit of the Lord rested on Simeon.
Simeon listened to God, waited and obeyed.
We do not know how often Simeon was instructed by the Lord to go to the temple and wait.
Simeon, always listened, heard and obeyed.
He waited.
His whole purpose was to wait for the next step from God.
Yet, he knew he would see Messiah before he died.
He know the promise, given to many generations before him, that Messiah would come.
Joseph and Mary simply followed the Law on this day of the presentation.
They may have been among many couples doing the same.
They most certainly did not stand out in the crowd.
There was nothing in their outer appearance that would alert Simeon.
Only the Holy Spirit, speaking through souls totally focused on God. . . Mary, Joseph and Simeon. . . would relay the message.
Simeon was given a “word of knowledge” by the Spirit.
Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus in her arms, walked through the courts and entered the temple through one of the many entrances. The Temple area, including its courts, measured 32 acres.
The Holy Spirit placed Simeon at the perfect spot, at the perfect time.
Simeon and Anna were the ones who would actually see the messiah on the day Jesus was named and presented to God in the temple.
There was something about Simeon, perhaps his knowing eyes, that spoke to Mary and Joseph and drew them close. This Holy Family stopped, connected with Simeon and listened to his words of affirmation as he poured out a blessing and prophecy over them.
Because of their obedience, Simeon and Anna were chosen by God to affirm within the souls of Joseph and Mary what they already sensed deep in their hearts.
Jesus is indeed the anointed one, the one who would redeem Israel and draw the gentiles into salvation. “Joshua ha messiah,” the one long awaited by those who sought an intimate relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Simeon gave blessing and prophecy that would propel this Holy Family into a world of change. This precious child is destined for the falling and rising in Israel. Some would follow him and some would not. Simeon’s prophetic words revealed to Mary what she may have already experienced: God chose Mary to be the new ark, the bearer of the New Covenant. Because Mary said, “yes” to God, because of her obedience, Mary would endure pain, like a sword piercing her soul. Yet, on this day, she was a proud mother holding her precious child.
As Simeon held Jesus in his arms, he sang to the Lord: [Luke 2:29-32] Found in the Anglican/Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, Compline (end of day prayers) page 135.
Known as the ‘Song of Simeon,’ (nunc Dimittis, which means ‘now you dismiss.’)
“Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Having given blessing and prophecy, Simeon was also blessed.
He fulfilled his purpose.
Simeon was released from his responsibility that propelled the Holy Family forward according to God’s plan.
Blessing transforms
Blessing affirms God’s presence in us.
Blessing is God’s stamp of approval through those who are given authority over us.
Blessing from one whom we revere will change our lives if we let the Lord unfold that blessing in our soul.
Bless you!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance unto you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6: 24-26
