My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:28–32 (NIV)
I thought I have finished with the Christmas daily moments, but God had other ideas. He put this passage about Simeon in front of me and reminded me of this wonderful man of faith, who waited patiently on the Lord.
Break It Down
By the time Simeon appears in Luke’s Gospel, much has already happened.
Angels have done their announcement. Shepherds have come and gone, glorifying God. Wise men are on their way from afar.
And now, quietly, in the ordinary rhythm of temple worship, an old man takes a child into his arms.
Luke tells us Simeon had been waiting. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Day after day, year after year, Simeon waited with expectation, not knowing when, only trusting that God would keep His word.
When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, Simeon knows immediately. This is not deduction. It is recognition.
God’s Intention
God is faithful to His promises. And Simeon represents generations of longing, the hope of Israel carried patiently through centuries of waiting. He reminds us that God’s timing is never hurried, and it is never late.
What Simeon sees in this child is astonishing. Not only Israel’s consolation, but salvation prepared in the sight of all nations. This child is both the glory of Israel and a light for the Gentiles.
From the beginning, God’s intention has always been wider than one people. The promise given to Israel was meant to bless the whole world.
Weave in the Passage
Picture the moment. An elderly man, weathered by years of waiting, gently cradles a child not his own. The temple buzzes quietly around them, unaware that something eternal is unfolding in plain sight.
Simeon lifts his voice in praise, not because all his questions are answered, but because his hope has been fulfilled.
He does not ask for more years. He doesn’t ask for understanding. He simply says, “Now I can go in peace.” His eyes have seen salvation.
The child born in a manger is now held in trembling aged arms, and the long story of waiting finds its rest.
Related Scripture
Isaiah 40:1–5 — Consolation promised to Israel
Isaiah 49:6 — A light for the nations
Genesis 12:3 — Blessing for all peoples through Abraham
Luke 2:10 — Good news of great joy for all people
John 1:14 — The Word made flesh, dwelling among us
Application for Today
Simeon reminds us that faithfulness is not always loud or visible. Sometimes faith looks like waiting well. Showing up again and again.
Trusting God to keep His promises, even when the fulfilment feels delayed.
And when we recognise Jesus for who He truly is, the Prince of Peace, the salvation of God, our striving can finally rest. Because Peace comes not from having everything resolved, but from having seen the King.
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, Thank You for Your faithfulness across generations.
Thank You that in Jesus, Your promises are fulfilled.
Help me to wait with trust, to recognise Your work when it appears quietly, and to rest in the peace that comes from knowing You keep Your word.
Amen.
Reflection
Where am I being invited to wait faithfully rather than rush ahead?
How have I seen God keep His promises in my own life?
What would it look like for me to rest in peace, knowing I have seen the salvation God has provided?