Simeon was apparently a Pharisaic...
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Simeon was apparently a Pharisaic quietist who bore the two characteristics of Jewish piety; he was righteous (he kept the law, perhaps perfectly) and he was looking for the Messiah. He was probably a nice old man with a great faith who had the Holy Spirit.
He was, in fact, the best of the old meeting the best of the new. The result was peace. Luke tries hard to help us experience a Jesus who comes to bring peace to people of all generations. Accordingly, Luke's title "Prince of Peace." Peace is pictured as the main cargo of the missionizing church. (10:5-6) Luke uses the term for peace in his Gospel more often than do the other three evangelists combined.
But, while celebrating the peace he has experienced, he prophesied there would be pain for those who brought Christ into the world and into the temple and into their lives. Simeon seemed to sense that Christ would bring no cheap grace to anyone.
I visit a ninety-four year old friend who enjoys recalling how Warren G. Harding used to deliver the daily paper to his home, what life was like before the invention of automobiles, etc. He is nearly deaf. He clearly belongs to another generation. Changes have been very painful to him. He hates the new hymnal his church has. It is not easy to be his friend or to minister to him. But every week he walks to church to worship. And every week somehow he finds --and shares --"the peace of God that passes all understanding."
He was, in fact, the best of the old meeting the best of the new. The result was peace. Luke tries hard to help us experience a Jesus who comes to bring peace to people of all generations. Accordingly, Luke's title "Prince of Peace." Peace is pictured as the main cargo of the missionizing church. (10:5-6) Luke uses the term for peace in his Gospel more often than do the other three evangelists combined.
But, while celebrating the peace he has experienced, he prophesied there would be pain for those who brought Christ into the world and into the temple and into their lives. Simeon seemed to sense that Christ would bring no cheap grace to anyone.
I visit a ninety-four year old friend who enjoys recalling how Warren G. Harding used to deliver the daily paper to his home, what life was like before the invention of automobiles, etc. He is nearly deaf. He clearly belongs to another generation. Changes have been very painful to him. He hates the new hymnal his church has. It is not easy to be his friend or to minister to him. But every week he walks to church to worship. And every week somehow he finds --and shares --"the peace of God that passes all understanding."
