As we get older, it is no secret that our memories start to fade. We suddenly realize that we cannot recall vitally important information – like the GDP of Liberia, the Greek alphabet, or where we left our house shoes.
But, be that as it may, the elderly have a lot to teach the young – In Psalm 71:18, the inspired poet prays, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:18).
Let us look at the meeting of two elderly disciples of God and a newborn baby…
SIMEON (2:25-35):
Let us observe his character (2:25):
Righteous
Devout
Let us observe his expectation (2:25):
Looking for the consolation of Israel
Cf. Isaiah 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 52:9; 57:18; 66:10-11.
Let us observe his blessing (2:25-26):
The Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed that he would see the Messiah
Let us observe his interaction with the Baby Jesus (2:27-35):
The Spirit led him (2:27):
This is the temple precincts. Mary could only go as far as the Court of Women.
He blesses the baby (2:28-32):
He takes the baby up into his arms and we imagine a light of gratitude in his eyes and an emotion of deepest happiness in his voice.
He can now “depart” in peace (2:29). There is nothing further for him to wait for. There is nothing further for him to see or experience.
This is “according to God’s Word” (2:29).
He has seen God’s “salvation” (2:30; Isaiah 52:10).
This salvation is for “all peoples” (2:31): This was prophesied, Simeon understands, in the OT (2:32; Isaiah 60:1-2).
He marvels the young parents (2:33):
He blesses the parents (2:34-35):
The Child will have a negative impact on some. Perhaps Simeon has in mind the “stone” texts from Isaiah 8:14; 28:16 and Psalm 118:22. It was a necessary consequence of his coming that the character of the men who came in contact with him would be severely tested.
The Child will have a negative impact on Mary. Jesus and His teachings have proven to be a stumbling-block and rock of offense since the earliest days of His ministry and nothing has changed since then.
The Child will have a positive impact on some. He will reveal the hearts of many
ANNA (2:36-38):
Let us observe her character (2:36):
She is a prophetess; elderly. She had been widowed at a young age (2:36-37) – Normally, Jewish girls became engaged at 13 and were given to their husbands in the official marriage ceremony at the age of 14.
Let us observe her devotion (2:37):
She stayed in the temple. She served night and day. She fasted. She prayed.
Let us observe her blessing of the Child (2:38):
At the moment of Simeon’s blessing. She gave thanks to God. She became an “evangelist.” People were looking for “redemption” of Jerusalem (Cf. Isaiah 52:9). Jesus judges us according to our ability. Here we have an aged saint, perhaps frail and bent-over but speaking to all that looked for redemption and telling them that it had come! They had been looking but they have now found!
WHAT DO WE LEARN:
- Old age is a crown of glory, if it is gained by a righteous life – Proverbs 16:31.
- Elderly saints are now looking for the eternal consolation and eternal redemption – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.
- The Holy Spirit will, even today through His Word, guide elderly non-Christians to Jesus.
- Salvation is still available to all.
- Jesus is still a stumbling-block to some elderly.
- If all have left us – physically or spiritually – there is still service to do for the Lord and for fellow-saints.
- Evangelizing can and still needs to be done by everyone.
– “There is no age limit on forgiveness.”
These two aged saints blessed the baby Jesus and recognized in Him the “light of revelation.” We should also bless Jesus by embracing Him and sharing His gospel with others.
Paul Holland
