Revealing God

The man was old but kindly, with a spark that shone in his eyes, now moist.  His tears were not evidence of grief; rather, they were tears of joy, as he looked down at the small bundle of life in his arms.  He had waited years for this moment, though he could not have known that what his eyes beheld, what his arms now enfolded, would be such a small package.  Yet in the depth of his being he was sure, he was certain - yes, this was indeed the fulfillment of God's promise to him that before his life on earth was over, he would have the privilege of personally seeing Israel's long-awaited deliverer:  the Messiah.

            Now as he tenderly cradled Mary's baby, his gratitude welled up, and words came forth, more profound than even his own joy could have expressed, words from the very heart of God:

"Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.  I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" (Luke 2:29-32 NLT).

            "A light to reveal God to the nations."  This is how the Holy Spirit, through Simeon's mouth and the pen of St. Luke, spoke of the second Person of the Triune God, now become flesh.  Jesus Himself would later say of those who became His followers:

"You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14,16 ESV).

            Jesus came to reveal God to all the peoples of the world.  He gave to His followers the same daunting task: to reveal God, to show to all the world what God looks like when He is manifest in human flesh.  What an amazing, even overwhelming daily challenge for those of us who claim to be His disciples!