Mysty PfefferOur final look at the way of peace in this Christmas series is departing in peace. A picture of this departure is found in Luke chapter 2. Simeon, the priest, arrives to the temple as the baby Jesus is presented to the Lord. I picture in my mind, an old man who has served the Lord faithfully his entire life. A man who encourages and counsels young couples as they present their firstborn to the Lord.
More importantly, he’s a man living under and ministering to people who fear ruthless Roman rule. Unfortunately the tactic Satan uses to steal their peace, and ours, is not a new one. However, it may be the most effective. Simeon knew their history of oppression and fear under Egypt’s control in the days of the Patriarchs. Then through various enemies of the land of Canaan in the period of the Judges. Not to mention, the control over them through Babylonian and Assyrian nations in later centuries.
Fear steals our peace more than any other tactic the enemy has. Whether it’s a virus and our restrictions of liberty, insecurity in our looks, doubt of love from our family, or fear of never living or knowing our purpose, it has a tight grip on our peace. Or lack thereof in our day to day thinking! The peace that comes through Jesus, says we don’t have to stay there. We too, can have peace in the hope of Jesus, just like this old man in the first century of our Lord’s birth.
In spite of Simeon’s dreadful circumstances of fear and Roman rule around him, God gives him hope in this innocent holy child. Accordingly, he is awestruck as the Holy Spirit reveals to him who this baby is. For Simeon, departing in peace meant not seeing death before seeing the Lord’s Christ. The fifth definition of peace comes into play as “the blessed state of devout and upright men after death”.
As the priests takes the baby Jesus in his arms, he blesses God, saying
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version 2016
We see the ultimate purpose of Jesus birth and life portrayed throughout scripture. Especially here as a culmination of eternal peace. Only Christ can offer a spirit of contentment in the place where God decides our short period of time and existence. Choosing to live in harmony with others in spite of differences in values and morals displays our desire to live in Christ. However, we cannot do it in our own strength. We must rely on Christ, through prayer, as each fearful, insecure thought sneaks in to create doubt and steal our peace.
Abraham in Genesis 15:15 is told by God he shall go to his his fathers in peace; and be buried at a good old age. He understood, as Simeon did, walking blameless before God. He further quotes Isaiah.
Departing in Peace is For Us Too!
Simeon also sees God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham revealed in this Christ child! Yes, us, Gentiles, are given the light of the world. Whoever walks in him will not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5) No matter how many times the enemy brings his dark intentions to our weary souls, our Spirit whispers within our hearts, “Hang on, I’m hear.” He sees us, he hears us, he wants us to depart in peace too.
But there is more! We don’t have to be afraid,
The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version
Yes, indeed, Jesus grew to be the fulfillment of all God’s promises. His word assures us the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned (Mathew 4:16). Simeon, having lived a full life, is overcome with the glory of God’s plan for his people and a peace that surpasses understanding offered to the entire world. The history of oppression, fear, as well as the darkness of the culture living outside God’s way is put aside. Perhaps her hears the words of an adult Jesus saying,
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version
John 14:27
Not only can he depart in peace with the full knowledge and comfort of a Savior in his time, we are privileged to see it too.
Father in heaven, I pray the peace of your Son fill us this day and every day. May we awake with hope and fullness of you in our thoughts instead of our fear and anxiety. More importantly, help us see your goodness in those around us. May we also live for you and be a light in our own dark places. Give us the boldness to smile instead of cry, return criticism with soft words, and open our eyes to our own faults. In you only, Lord will we depart in peace now and forever. In, Jesus name I pray, Amen.
For more bold faith read The Way of Peace Through Christ –
