His instruction about life, light, and love did not come through a formal teaching, but in the words he spoke upon taking Jesus in his arms, and seeing that he was "a light to the Gentiles and a glory for Israel"--which means everyone (2:32).
Through Simeon we see these two things about practicing the better: (1) it is something we can do all our lives, even into old age...and...(2) as we do so, we are filled with hope because we realize that what we have experienced what is meant for everyone, and we have the opportunity to declare it to the world.
Jeannie and I were blessed to know Dr. J.C. McPheeters, the second of Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Mac lived into his nineties, and when I read about Simeon, I think about him. The words Luke used to describe Simeon characterized Dr. McPheeters: righteous, devout, and one upon whom the Holy Spirit rested. And like Simeon, he was filled with hope. Dr. Mac manifested light, life, and love--practicing the better until the day he died.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Categories: Practicing the Better
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