The Old Man and The Prophetess
By T.F. Tenney
Toward the end of Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, there are two characters who are more often than not, not even included in our telling of the Christmas story. They are usually not the starring characters in the children’s Christmas musical nor the adult Christmas pageant. Their story, however, was vital enough to be included in the Scripture and cannot be overlooked this season.
The baby is born. The angels are now silent. The shepherds have returned to their flocks. Mary and Joseph are about the business of being parents. On the eighth day they named him Jesus and he was circumcised according to the law and the custom of the day. Luke says:
“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:22-24, NIV)
It was there - in Jerusalem - in the temple where they had gone to offer their sacrifice of consecration - that they encountered the old man.
His name was Simeon. It means “the hearing one.” Luke tells us he was just and devout and that the Holy Ghost was upon him. He was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” In his waiting, the Holy Ghost had moved on him and promised him that he would not see death until he had first seen the Christ, the promised Messiah. He no doubt woke up that morning and went about his daily routines until - the Bible tell us “he came by the Spirit into the Temple.” That probably wasn’t the first time he had allowed the Holy Spirit to direct his steps. We can only wonder if he arose that morning and somehow knew, “This is the day....” His name was Simeon. It means “the hearing one” - and now we catch a glimpse of what listening - and hearing - what the Spirit is saying can mean in one man’s life.
In the Temple, led by the Spirit, his path crossed with the new parents of a baby boy brought for circumcision and consecration. He took the child from them and praised God. He who had been hearing spoke these words back to the God who keeps His promises:
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 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 2:29-32, KJV)
Simeon, the old man who had been frequenting the temple for years, waiting for a promise to come suddenly found himself holding that Promise in his arms. While others may have been expecting a conquering King, apparently this old man was not in the least dismayed or discomfited by the fact that he held a newborn baby boy. This man - this one who heard the Spirit - knew that his eyes had seen the salvation of the Lord - that light had come to the Gentiles, that glory had come to Israel. It would be years before his words were understood, before the light and glory was seen. But he who had waited for the promise knew that even in a newborn babe his promise was fulfilled.
As Mary and Joseph marveled at his words, Samuel turned to them. The Scripture tells us he blessed them both, then said to Mary: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Was there a sudden chill in the air? Did Mary shiver involuntarily at the thought of a sword piercing not just her heart - but her very soul? Did she stand at the foot of a cross some thirty-three and a half years later and remember the old man in the Temple?
Then enters the Prophetess. She was a widow of “four score and four” - which is 84 years of age. In trying to piece together her story, Luke said she had lived with her husband seven years before his demise. So somewhere probably in her early twenties she had been widowed - and since that time spent her days and nights in worship to the Lord. Luke 2:38 says:
“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38, NIV).
She saw Him, she believed who He was, and she proclaimed Him to all who were seeking Him!
As we celebrate Christmas in 2003 and look forward to 2004, let us not forget the old man and the prophetess. Many of stand in the place Simeon was - waiting on the fulfillment of a promise. To you, hear what the Spirit is saying - and know that the answer to your prayer is almost in sight.
May this be the year when you say, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the Lord...” May we all become like Anna, the Prophetess - recognizing Him for who He is - and proclaiming Him to all who seek Him!
