A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. I try to not make promises if I know I can’t keep them, but sometimes I make a promise and break it. This happened the other day. My daughter, Bethany, and I had gone shopping the week before, so I kept some of the gifts she had bought hidden with mine. I promised her I would get them out, so she could wrap them. Coming home from work the other day, I found she was only able to wrap some of her gifts because I had not kept my promise. I had forgotten to get the gifts for her. While this was a simple mistake, I still broke my promise to her. In life it can happen. We have good intentions, but sometimes we fail to keep our word.

Simeon had a deep reverence and love for God. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to obedience and standing righteous before God. He believed the prophecies foretelling a coming Messiah. This promised Messiah would bring comfort to Israel and save the people from their sins, bringing everlasting life and peace. God gave him a special promise as he waited for the prophecy to be fulfilled.

“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.” (Luke 2:26)

Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon went to the temple the day Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus. When he saw the child, he took Jesus in his arms and blessed God saying,

“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.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Looking into the face of Jesus, Simeon blessed God for keeping His promise to him. His heart was at peace, because he knew the promised peace had come to the world. He had seen the Messiah! But really, Simeon never had to ask, “Have I seen who was promised?” because he knew as soon as God made the promise, it would happen. There would be no mistakes or purposeful breaking of any promises. The prophecy was fulfilled, and Simeon saw the Messiah. God always keeps His promises. He will never fail.