What Jesus Did! 'Old Eyes, New Light' — Luke 2:27-32

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] the Spirit led [Simeon] to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!"
— Luke 2:27-32 NLT

Key Thought

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a saying that many accept as an excuse for becoming staid and cynical as they age. I don't know about you, but I'm no dog! I believe I can change — or better yet, I believe that God's Spirit can transform me. Here was the aged Simeon, old eyes and all, [1] yet he got to see God's new light dawn for Israel. Why? Because Simeon believed God would do something great in his day. He kept believing in God's promises even when he was old. God still longs to do glorious things in our day. This desire is true whether we are old, young, or in-between! So, let's keep believing, listening, trusting, following, and expecting Jesus to act in mighty ways! God is faithful. He longs to surprise us with glorious things in response to our prayers and our faith.

[1] It is believed that Luke 2:26 and Luke 2:29 indicate that Simeon was old.

Today's Prayer

O Father, my tender shepherd, please do not let my passion dim or my faith waver as I grow older. I want to live a vibrant life of faith, expecting and experiencing your great acts of mercy and power all the way to my dying day. In Jesus' name, I pray this. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 92:12-14
  • Isaiah 46:3-4
  • Joshua 14:10-13

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:27-32 NLT — He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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