ESOCS Devotional 1 January 2022
TEXT: LUKE 2:21-40
MEMORY VERSE:
“For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32
Compliments of the season and a very Happy New Year to you all.
Simeon was promised that he will “not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ” Lk. 2:26). True to that revelation and beyond it, he did not only see the Lord’s Christ but also embraced him, carrying the baby on his breast. Let us consider a few lessons from the life and words of the Prophet Simeon:
- Simeon was “a just and devout man”. He was eminently known for his piety and communion with God; he had a prophetic spirit. Jewish history shows that he was removed from the lofty position he occupied in the Sanhedrin because of his prophecies against the common opinion of the Jews that the Messiah’s kingdom would be temporary. Again, history has it that he lived long after this event before he died.
- Let him that would enjoy the salvation of God and have Christ Jesus for his light be “just and devout”. Just toward men, and devout to follow God.
- Let him patiently wait for the promises of God; they will come, they will not tarry.
- Be filled with the Holy Ghost and be led by Him always, and all the promises of God for you shall manifest while you are still alive. God’s word never returns to Him void.
- Christ came as salvation prepared by God for all people, even for as many as believe on Him. Accept Him as your salvation and He will remove from your life everything that hinders your full enjoyment of the grace of God. Accept Him as your Savior and no man can make you afraid (Ps. 27:1), not even death. For Simeon, even though he was still young was not afraid of death after seeing Jesus Christ. The Lord shall save throughout this year and beyond even in the face of nationwide insecurity. His salvation is all encompassing and it is full and free.
- Before this time, the gentile world dwelt in darkness, alienated from God and without any knowledge of Him but God had promised saying: “I will give thee for a light unto the gentiles” (Isa. 49:6). Of this light, St. John wrote in his gospel: “In him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not” (Jn. 1:4-5). Two other versions render part B of verse 5 thus: “and the darkness has not overcome it” (MNT); “the darkness has never overpowered it” (Amp.). The Light, Christ Jesus cannot be overcome, therefore embrace Him and darkness will not overcome your light. Hear the Lord Jesus in John. 8:12: “I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but he shall have the light of life.” As you step into this bright New Year, resolve that He is your light and your guide, and you will not grope about in darkness. Embrace Christ Jesus, be guided by His word. Let His word be the light unto your path and lamp unto your feet, and you will neither stumble nor fall. God bless you.
- Do you have any difficulty walking with the Lord in the light of His word? Say this simple prayer.
- Lord, I pray according to your word in Ps. 38:8 instruct me, teach me in the way that I should go and guide me with thine own eye in Jesus name.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Genesis 17: 1-3; Isaiah 44: 22-28; 1 Corinthians 3:19-23
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ESOCS Devotional 1 January 2022
