Daily Devotional – I’m Normal.™ I AM Ministries
“To promote Godly living in a culture committed to destroying it”
Monday, June27, 2016
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory – Simeon’s Reward
In the Old Testament, one witness was insufficient to convict a man of any crime or offense for which he was charged; rather, the Law stipulated two or three witnesses needed to testify (Deuteronomy 19:15). This multiplicity concept extended to other matters that required witnesses. When God’s Son, Jesus Christ, was first presented publicly, God provided two witnesses of great faith to attest to His Majesty. Both were loyal servants, one man and one woman, which demonstrated God’s intention of saving both men and women through His Son. Today’s devotional recounts the witness of Simeon; next week’s devotional will present the witness of Anna.
Simeon was a faithful servant to the LORD, but he was no stranger to glorified humans. A devout and pious man, his birth injected him into a highly honored family. Simeon was the son of Hillel, the man who founded a college and become its president. His father became the first recipient of the title of Rabban, the most prestigious title a doctor could achieve, an honor only bestowed upon seven men in all of history.
Simeon’s son was also shrouded in glory. His son was Gamaliel, a noted Pharisee and a renowned doctor of Jewish law. Gamaliel instructed Saul of Tarsus, who eventually became the apostle Paul. Thus, Simeon mingled comfortably with high and exalted people, some of whom were family members. He was “sandwiched” between two relatives overflowing with human glory. His risk was becoming jaded in his outlook towards others, as glory was the norm.
By God’s grace, Simeon was indwelled by the Holy Spirit instead of pride (Luke 2:25). This gift gave him special insight into the true glory and status of others. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah in his lifetime; a promise, which, as with all of God’s promises, came to be fulfilled.
Simeon did not bask in the glory afforded to either his father or his son. This lack of prestige stemmed from Simeon’s witness on behalf of the Messiah. Simeon garnered the resentment of the Jews by stating the Kingdom of the Messiah was eternal and divine. This proclamation challenged the majority opinion of the Jews, whose Mishna, or book of traditions, pointed to a political king who would overthrow the Romans, bringing political salvation instead of spiritual salvation and eternal life. Because of his faith, Simeon’s testimony was not considered normal.
By virtue of the Holy Spirit, Simeon’s testimony was honorable and true. This must have been a consolation to Joseph and Mary, who had endured social scorn as a couple and who had been humiliated in the circumstances of Christ’s birth in a stable. Simeon’s normal testimony could have been a joyous introduction to the coming of the Messiah. His insight through the Holy Spirit could have provided the opportunity for the priests and Pharisees to make their acquaintance with our Savior, the Messiah, for whom they had long waited. Unfortunately, those watchmen were blind to the Truth.
When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus to Simeon in the temple in Jerusalem, Simeon, eyes opened by the Holy Spirit, recognized instantly his long-awaited Savior. “Sovereign LORD, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32). Despite rampant blindness all around him, Simeon’s eyes had finally seen the glory of the coming of the LORD.
Have your eyes seen the glory? Have the eyes of your family and friends seen the glory of the LORD? It is normal for God to want to reveal the glory of His Son to all. God wants us to see the glory of the One He has sent to save us from our sin. Even those not indwelled with the Holy Spirit can recognize His work and be drawn to seek Him and the glory He brings. If your eyes have not seen the glory, I urge you to take another look. If your eyes have seen the glory, consider making a commitment to redouble your normal efforts in witnessing for the LORD. Help others see the true reason for not only the Christmas season, but for all the seasons of our lives.
“I’m Normal.™ I AM.”
It’s God Talking to You
In His love and service,
Jeff Myers
A servant of Jesus Christ
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