A Light for the Nations
A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:32
Simeon’s prophecy regarding the Child in his arms is seen fulfilled in John’s vision in Revelation 7. The promised Messiah was the hope for Gentile and Jew alike. The crowd that John beholds is too great for anyone to count and includes people from every nation, tribe and language. It is also the fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah 11 that the root of Jesse “shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire.” The Child in Simeon had hoped was truly the light and hope for all nations of the earth.
The congregations in Missouri are reaching out to new people groups. We have mission work going on among African tribes from the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Liberia. We are also thankful for the mission work that is also occurring among Nepalese people in South St. Louis. We also hear how the light of Christ is being shone in nations all around the world. There is much for which we can give thanks as root of Jesus is a signal for the peoples!
However, God has even greater things awaiting us in the new heavens and the new earth. While our congregations are reaching out to our communities and people from different nations, we will only see the true fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy in paradise. In Revelation 22, it is said of the saints of God “His name will be on their foreheads.” (22:5) Thanks be to God that our place in His kingdom is not something that we deserve, but something that is freely given through God placing His name upon us in the waters of Holy Baptism. Therefore we can look forward with joy to the baptized of God from every nation making the great assembly in heaven and lifting their voices in praise of God. As we read in Revelation 22:6, “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Prayer - Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan