“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 2:29-32).

Simeon was one of the devout individuals who had been waiting for the promised Messiah to come. He was in the Temple that day because the Holy Spirit had “moved” him. Apparently, it was supernatural guidance that placed Simeon in the right place at the right time. God knows where each of needs to be and when we need to be there to receive the fulfillment of His promise.

Simeon had remarkable insight as to God’s plan of salvation. He grasped, as few of his peers did, that salvation was to be available to “all nations” and would include “Gentiles.” The glory of Israel is that they were the vehicle through whom salvation was to come, but that salvation was intended for everyone.

Simeon stands as encouragement to all of us who are awaiting the fulfillment of a promise God has made. God knows how to bring us to the right place at the right time so we can see the fulfillment of His plan for us. In the meantime we simply wait and continue to trust His promise. Just as Simeon experienced we will someday be able to depart in peace having seen God’s word to us fulfilled.