Daily Devotional | A Light for All

Our children both came to our family through arduous adoption journeys. The Sunday when we finally stood before our church family and dedicated them to the Lord was a most joyous day!

Imagine how Joseph and Mary felt when they took baby Jesus to the Temple to dedicate him into the Lord’s service. In the Temple courts, they met Simeon who was “righteous and devout” (v. 25). Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Simeon had been actively watching for the Christ. He believed that God would keep His promise to send a Savior, and it seems he recognized Jesus immediately.

Holding the baby in his arms, Simeon delivered his own hymn of praise—the fourth psalm in the book of Luke. Simeon’s song is called the Nunc Dimittus (Latin for “now let depart”), and in his first stanza, he gave glory to the Sovereign Lord for fulfilling His promise. Having seen God’s salvation, Simeon declared his readiness to leave this life in peace.

Simeon called Jesus a “light” for all nations—a theme used repeatedly in Luke. Simeon also called Jesus “a glory” to Israel and a “revelation to the Gentiles” (v. 32). His Salvation would come through God’s chosen people and would extend to all nations.

But Simeon’s song also included somber notes. While Mary and Joseph marveled at the message, Simeon turned directly to Mary and prophesied the opposition Jesus would face that would cause personal pain for His mother.

Also present in the Temple was an elderly prophetess, Anna (v. 36). Widowed when she was young, she had dedicated her life to the ministry of intercession. Luke does not record her exact words, but we know she thanked God for Jesus and testified about Him to all who would listen.

>> Simeon and Anna were faithful servants who followed God into their old age. Thank God for any older disciples who have provided a model for you to follow.

Pray with Us

Lord God, thank You for the testimony of elder saints who have known You for decades. We ask You to bless them with ever-deepening knowledge of You and love for You. Fill their years with peace and joy in Your presence.

BY Kelli Worrall

Kelli Worrall is Professor of Communications and Chair of the Division of Music and Media Arts at Moody Bible Institute. She is the author of several books, including Pierced and Embraced: 7 Life-Changing Encounters with the Love of Christ. Kelli studied at Cedarville University (BA), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE), and Roosevelt University (MFA). Kelli and her husband, Peter, are parents of two children through adoption and enjoy decorating their Craftsman house.