Do You Have Peace?
“I believe in Jesus, and He is my Savior and I have no fear of death,” said Barbara Bush, the wife of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, to her son before she died. The gift of peace comes from knowing Jesus, even when faced with death.
My grandfather was a farmer. One day he was raking hay when I saw him slump over the steering wheel of his tractor. I ran to him, and when I caught up with the tractor, I crawled up beside him and guided the tractor toward our home. My grandfather looked at me and said, “It’s okay. I’m with your grandmother.” My grandmother died six years before. My grandfather died that day, yet he faced death with peace.
Simeon lived in Jerusalem during the first century. Moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon went to the temple when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to be circumcised, as required by law. Not much is known about Simeon except that he was a special man of God. Luke 2:25 tells us he was faithfully waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Simeon did not experience “peace” until he saw Jesus.
While holding Jesus, Simeon broke into a song of praise, “You may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.”
Simeon had peace because he saw the future hope of the whole world. My grandfather was at peace even though he was having a stroke that ended up killing him. He saw my grandmother in heaven and knew everything was okay.
We have gone through a lot and have more to go through. This pandemic has changed everything, and our normal may never be the same again. Today we are celebrating Memorial Day and the many who died for our freedom. Freedom indeed is not free. As we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, may we rejoice in God’s gift of peace!
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for Jesus – Your gift of peace.
Luke 2: 29-30 – “You may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Canva