“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel”

I’ve read this Scripture so many times, but today I saw it differently; today, I applied it differently. Today, this piece of Scripture fascinated me through the application it brought to my mind. Scripture is like that. Those of you who have a relationship with the Christ understand what it means to have the words of the Bible suddenly illuminate the finite mind in a way like never before. It’s a wonderful experience, an experience that brings about a deep appreciation for the Word of God and its remarkable ability to speak to the human heart.

So here I was, on my sofa, cup of coffee in hand, and exploring the Scripture with my family. It was my turn to read a chapter—Luke 2, to be precise. As I read, the story of Simeon came alive in my mind. He appeared there as an old man, one who had waited many longs years for God’s promise to him. To look upon him, one could see the peace of God evident in his weathered face. I reasoned in my heart that the Holy Ghost must have spoken to him in the morning, after his private devotion, leading him to go to the temple—and he obeyed. Soon, Mary and Joseph appeared in the same place where Simeon was—with the child Jesus gently laying in his mother's arms, and Joseph, His earthly father, tenderly showing the way. Simeon’s eyes, normally dim with age, shone with joy at the sight of the promised Deliverer. With tender arms he gathered Him, and buried his face in the Christ child’s neck—tears freely flowing into the little Boy’s garment. Containing his emotion, he raised his face towards heaven, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation...”

Then I realized it—I am like Simeon was. I— should the Lord allow it to be so—can depart from this present world in peace, for I have seen the Saviour. I have seen Him as the Sacrifice for my sin; I have seen Him as my Lord; I have seen Him as my Saviour—and I know Him, I have a real relationship with Him. I am amazed by the transformation God has wrought in my heart and life since I saw the Saviour. I am not the person I was before I repented and put my faith in Christ. Yes, salvation’s ultimate fulfillment takes place when one, with physical eyes, sees our beautiful Saviour. But I am here to testify that I have seen Him in my heart and that there is fulfillment here below while walking with Him and talking with Him until He takes me home. Oh yes, I have seen the Saviour. Have you? If your answer is "yes," then you are ready to depart in peace. How wonderful is that?