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Humble Hero
Guide. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and Offspring of
David, the Bright and Morning Star.
Revelation 22:16
. That helpless
Baby was the hope of fallen humanity. He was to pay the ransom
for the sins of the whole world.
Although the priest did not see or feel anything unusual, this
occasion did not pass without some recognition of Christ. “There
was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, ... and the Holy
[20]
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.”
Venerable Simeon Recognized Jesus
As Simeon entered the temple, he was deeply impressed that the
Infant being presented to the Lord was the One he had longed to see.
To the astonished priest, he looked like a man filled with holy awe.
He took the Child in his arms, while a joy he had never before felt
entered his being. As he lifted the infant Savior toward heaven, he
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.”
While Joseph and Mary stood by, amazed at Simeon’s words, he
said to Mary, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising
of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes,
a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts
of many hearts may be revealed.”
Anna, a prophetess, also came in and confirmed Simeon’s tes-
timony. Her face lighted up with glory, and she poured out her
heartfelt thanks that she had been permitted to behold Christ the
Lord.
These humble worshipers had studied the prophecies. But though
the rulers and priests also had the precious prophecies, they were