Supernatural Vision

Luke 2:22–38 

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,    “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.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Israel's long-awaited Savior had arrived. But we know from history that many missed it – missed Him. They couldn't see who He was or what He came to do. Even his birth went largely unnoticed by many. Yet not everyone missed the Savior's arrival. This scene shows us that even in the temple, those who had eyes to see didn't miss Jesus. 

Simeon knew he would see the Christ before his death. So as he performed the necessary purification rituals with each child coming in, he must've been looking with anticipation. Could this child be the one? Is this the Messiah God has promised His people? At last, he sees Jesus. And supernaturally, he knows. He knows that God has fulfilled His promise. He knows that salvation has come, not only to the Jews, but to Gentiles as well! He even sees in God's glorious plan the humiliation and execution of Jesus by His own people. Nevertheless, salvation is at hand, and he praises God for it! 

The prophetess Anna likewise begins praising in this hour. The text is unclear if she sees Jesus or is witness to Simeon's pronouncement. But what is clear is that she praised God and declared Jesus' coming to the people. She had eyes to see – perhaps not physical sight, but for sure supernatural sight. 

Would that God would grant us greater supernatural sight into the fulfillment of His promises in the person and work of Jesus! May we see, and as a result of spiritual sight, give God the glory and proclaim Christ to the world around us!