Arent de Gelder – Simeon’s Song of Praise – 1700 – Mauritshuis, The Hague
Luke 2:25-35
New International Version (NIV)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
In any family gathering people love to pass around a baby and it's lovely to witness each generation being added to the family. Even into my father's old age he loved holding a grand baby, and I can still remember the special joy I had at being able to at last fill my father's arms with my own child. Simeon, the righteous and devout servant of God, had that moment in the temple. What must have it been like to hold the Messiah in your hands and know that hope had come? I'd like to ask him that in Heaven someday (Is he telling everyone how he knew Jesus when he was only this big?), but for now these two artists, one of old and one of today, have beautifully painted his story.
Come let us adore Him.
"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" - Third Day
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