Work Text:
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4
“He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake”. 1 Peter 1:20
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24
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Melodious harmonies fill the air in worship coming from all directions. Beautiful arrangements like splashes of color in the brilliant light that cast no shadows. Three voices can be heard discussing intense plans for what would be the mission of the ages. Names can be heard, barely: Adam, Abram-Abraham, Rahab, Ruth, David, Esther, Joseph, Mary, Simeon, Anna, John, Judas, Lazarus….
“Son, do you understand what we are proposing?”
“Yes, Father. And there is no proposing. You know that I will always do what you ask.”
“Son, I know it is a lot to sacrifice but it is the only way.”
“Father, I know it is. I will do it when it is time. The reward is so worth it. I know you love me and will give me that which you have promised. Your word is enough for me.”
“I am so pleased with you, my Son. So it will be done at the appropriate time.”
The voices stop as the music continues in worship. A faint sweet aroma fills the air.
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An extra layer of excitement fills the air. Things are beginning after the long anticipated wait. One word and the plan will finally be initiated. God looks upon the world then turns to one side. “Angels! It’s time. Go!”
Quicker than a blink of an eye, an angel of the Lord was on the earth before shepherds in the field delivering the message exactly as they were told. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you: he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in manger.”
Then, BOOM!! Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,” Glory to Go in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Then as quickly as they had appeared, they were gone into heaven. God continued to watch as the shepherds hurried off to find Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. God smiled, his face beaming even brighter if it was possible as he spoke, “That’s my Son!”
God continued to watch as each and every final step of the plan was playing out before him. Until The Great Separation. The Cross. The pivotal moment. Never before had he not been able to look at His Son but the sin of the world was so overwhelming he had to look away. It tore into his heart as he thought what His Beloved Son must be feeling in that very moment. For God it was but an instant but to Jesus it must have felt like an eternity. The Holy Spirit comforted God, reassuring him that it would be over soon. Just then a voice echoed throughout eternity: “It is finished.”
Once again, Jesus was reunited with God and Holy Spirit. All the angels singing full of joy and worship with new songs before the Three-in-one just as it was always meant to be.
At one moment in time:
Simeon rejoiced as he took the Messiah in his arms and praised God saying,
“Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant,
die in peace as you said.
With my own eyes I have seen your salvation,
which you prepared before all people.
It is a light for the Gentile people to see
and an honor for your people, the Israelites.”
Simeon felt overwhelmed at the faithfulness of his God to him. Who was he that he should hold the Messiah? Whatever the reason he gave thanks to the Spirit that had whispered in his ear to go to the temple. Then he turned to Joseph and Mary and blessed them. Looking toward Mary he delivered a message to her with compassion in his eyes.
“God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept so that the thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad, too.”
Just as he was handing the baby back, Anna approached giving thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel.
Simeon thought to himself, “This is a day I will remember forever!” He returned to his home knowing that he would never be the same.
One evening as he prepared for the night’s sleep, he thought about that day just as he did every night since. The goodness and faithfulness of God still as overwhelming as it had been That Day. He dimmed out the lamp and sat upon his bed, his tired eyes looking afar off. Slowly swinging his legs onto the bed, he felt his head lay heavy upon his pillow. Whispering ever so softly as he closed his eyes, “Lord, let your servant depart in peace.” The warmth of his next breath crossed his lips for the last time as his earthly shell went still.
Simeon opened his eyes feeling as though he had just blinked but feeling more rested than any sleep he had ever known, even in his youth. Then he realized it was not night time anymore. As a matter of fact it was a brightness he had never seen but he was not squinting. Suddenly he sensed a presence behind him, It just seemed so familiar but he couldn’t quite place it. Before he could wonder another moment, he heard a voice.
“Simeon.” Instantly Simeon knew. It was Him!! He turned and as his eyes locked with the one whose voice it was, peace permeated throughout his entire being. His lips parted as the sweetest name in all creation and heaven escaped, “Jesus…” Immediately, Jesus nodded as he wrapped his arms around Simeon in the deepest, warmest hug as only he could give. Simeon hugged Jesus for what seemed like an eternity. As they ended their hug they smiled at each other. As Simeon looked in Jesus’ eyes he remembered holding him as an infant. Simeon’s smile broadened as he couldn’t resist saying: “Jesus, my, how you have grown!” Jesus burst into magnificent laughter as Simeon joined in. Jesus put his arm on Simeon’s shoulder, “Come with me Simeon, there is a story to be told.” As they walked together Simeon saw groups of people talking and heard them sharing stories – David, Daniel, Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Noah, and Enoch!! He gasped as his eyes widened. He couldn’t believe it – he was going to get to hear one of their stories!! Not on scrolls or second hand in the temple, but told personally by great heroes of the faith! Jesus led him to the far end of the room by a huge throne. Jesus spoke as he began to sit on the throne, “Excuse me everyone, if you would turn your attention this way. We have a new story to hear. This is Simeon and he has one that no one hear has experienced but him.” A hush settled across the room as Jesus spoke. All eyes turned to Simeon. Realizing that it was his story that was to be told, he took a breath, grinned and began, “ My story is about a promise God made to his servant and a baby boy I held that changed the world…..”