Simeon and the Peace of God
By Gabriel Hanna
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
(Luke 2:25-32)
We have read this story many times and can learn much from Simeon’s welcoming of the long-awaited Messiah into the world. Yet, something new recently caught my eye in this story—something comforting and encouraging. We can learn a deep and inspiring lesson from this man. In this passage of Scripture, we see God’s closeness to us as His people.
The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before the promised Savior came into the world. In the latter stage of life, Simeon was about to depart from earth and enter heaven. He had a long-standing fellowship with God through his prayers in Jerusalem, a spiritual relationship with the living God. Yet, like all of us, he may have pondered questions: What comes after this earthly life? Who will stand with me in my distress and physical weakness as I grow old? What will happen to me? On whom can I place my hope?
These are questions we often ask, especially when we see loved ones in their final days, frail and unable to carry out their former duties. Simeon’s story provides comfort and guidance. His heart and mind were filled with the Lord, rejoicing in Him. Throughout his life, his relationship with God was uninterrupted, and God remained close to him. Simeon could not turn away or be distracted because he had heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. His hope was rooted in the living God. His personal experience of God speaking into his life gave him hope for the future.
The Lord was Simeon’s support, and God spoke to him. Simeon was deeply aware of the prophecies in the Holy Scriptures. He knew God is love and that God would be with him to the end. He fully grasped God’s plan to save humanity through the coming Savior. Simeon treasured the presence of God with him as he aged.
God honors those who fear Him. Simeon experienced unspeakable joy—a powerful motivation for us today. The Lord is our hope when we fear the future. Simeon trusted in God’s promise and declared: “Now you let your servant go, Lord, in peace, according to your word.” These words radiate calm assurance and comfort, revealing Simeon’s confidence in transitioning to a better world, one of eternal life. He rejoiced in witnessing the fulfillment of God’s promise and salvation.
God cares for us. He loves us and stands with us, even in moments of farewell. Simeon serves as a living example of finding peace in God. We too can seek to be at peace with God and feel confident in Him. Yet we cannot speak such words with true meaning unless we believe and devote time to prayer and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us consider what filled Simeon’s heart and mind. His sobering yet reassuring words were grounded in a firm belief in a loving God who does not leave His children without hope and consolation. Simeon’s confidence is clear: “Now, you allow your servant to go in peace.” Amen.
