My Uncle

Greetings reader!!

I'm Matthias - yes, you have (barely) heard of me in Acts Chapter 1 "So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

But, that's not my story today.  I want to talk about my famous uncle Simeon - from Luke chapter 2: 

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Yes, Simeon was my uncle - the brother to my mother.  He never married. His story was before my time, but I have heard of it so much.  When Uncle Simeon was in his 20's, God was very close to him.  He was an assistant in the temple, helping with crowds, setting up chairs, collecting the alm baskets, even janitorial duties.  At that time, the Ark of the Covenant was in the "Holy of Holies" and could only be accessed by the High Priest.  Like my family, Uncle Simeon was of the tribe of Levi and was of the priestly tribe.  

Simeon loved being in the temple and talked about 'feeling' the presence of God.  As an assistant, he had a little room (cell would be more like it) in the temple (off the lower levels).  One evening, as he slept, Uncle Simeon had a very special vision.  The Holy Spirit came upon him and told him of amazing things - most notably that the long awaited Messiah was coming and that Simeon would see him and recognize him.  

From that point on, my uncle's life changed. There was a glow around him an 'aura'.  In the temple, his position changed to being an assistant to more spiritual positions.  He helped with the various offerings, the burnt sacrifices, the preparation of the fire, the wave offerings, the first born child offerings, the first fruits offerings and the many other offerings and sacrifices of our Jewish faith.  My mother told me how he was such a wonderful, humble man, always with a cheerful word for worshipers at the temple.  Even as he was more regards in his work, he kept the same little room / cell for his own.

But, he KNEW that one day the Messiah would come through the doors of the temple.  Everyday he would anticipate that culminating event - and even when it didn't happen that day, his spirits and expectations were still strong.  

Even before the others noted it, Simeon saw the 'star in the east' and the Spirit told him it would be 'very soon' that he would hold the Messiah in his arms.  He rarely slept more than a few hours, but had a chair in the temple where he would sit meditating on God's love, God's power and most importantly God's promise of the Messiah.  He knew the prophecies by heart; he could quote most of what we Christians would call the Old Testament from memory.  

He watched the various events in Jerusalem - although he knew the child would be born in the City of David - but be called a Nazarene.  He saw the Magi come to Jerusalem looking for the Messiah, he heard the news from the shepherds, he KNEW that the Messiah had been born.  

On this particular day, God revealed that the Messiah was coming to the temple.  At first Simeon got the broom and tried to make the temple as clean and holy as possible, but the Holy Spirit said "Simeon, you don't need to clean the temple - just be ready for HIM to come in."

Other priests, assistants, and workers saw the young couple with the child - just like all the other young couples coming with children to the temple.  These couples had the pair of doves to sacrifice as their spiritual duty.  But with spiritual eyes, Simeon saw Mary, Joseph and the baby even before they got close to the temple.  He was ready (we might even say he was 'prayed up').

Uncle Simeon almost danced and sang as the young family entered the temple.  Mary and Joseph went directly to him - also led by the Holy Spirit.  Simeon blessed them and cried as he held the Messiah - the long awaited, long anticipated, long desired - Messiah.  

Uncle Simeon did live for about eight years after the encounter with Jesus.  People who knew him before and after said that, if anything, he was even more of a kinder, gentler man - with a wonderful sparkle in his eye.  

As for me, I was born four years after Uncle Simeon met Jesus, Joseph and Mary - I'm pretty sure he whispered and prayed for me when he held me in his arms (he moved in with my parents shortly after the meeting).  When I grew up and found Jesus - the prophet, the Messiah, the Savior I'm sure my Uncle approved!!!