7/9/11

The best for last


This sunset is somewhat special.  Most of the time, the whole sky gradually darkens until it turns a violet and then the black of night.  However, in this photo there is light grey and black mixed together against the fiery glow of a crimson sunset.  It seems to have a more distinct line of demarcation than usual.  The lives of some people are like this sunset; at the very end they are remarkably beautiful, golden in fact.  Simeon was one such man and here is his story.

Luke 2:21-35 (WEB)
21) When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22) When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23) (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),
24) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
25) Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking 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 should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27) He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
28) then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29) “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
30) for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31) which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32) a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33) Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,
34) and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
35) Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon was a man like any other, but he received a special blessing... he would see the Christ before his death.  Sometimes the best things come late in life.  Sometimes the best is left for last.  Simeon's "sunset" marked the end of one age and the beginning of another; the Christ had arrived.  Not a bad way to finish!!!  Beautiful!!!