“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.” Death and bereavement is not something that we like to talk about, but it is something that we all have to face. So why was Simeon, in the story in Luke 2, able to depart in peace?
1. He relied on God’s promises.
Simeon was relying on God’s word. God did not intend sin, death and suffering to be part of His world. They are the result of the fall of man (Genesis 3:19). God has promised that death will be destroyed – but not yet. (1 Corinthians 15:26). Scripture promises that at death we will immediately pass into the presence of Christ free of pain and suffering. Romans 8:38/9; Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8, Acts 7:56.
2. He relied on God’s providence.
Death is often painful, physically and mentally. When Job lost his family, he first showed grief and then he worshipped God (Job 1:20-22), He then went on to ha\ve a glorious vision of God’s power. Job 19:25-29. Grieving is part of bereavement, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13.Jesus is especially near to us in time of trial. Psalm 23: 4-6.
3. He relied on God’s provision.
God has provided us with friends in the church who can help us. Part of the task of the church is to help people in the grieving process (John 11:35) and to give practical help (1 Timothy 5:3). We can also be sure that God has prepared for the Christian a place in heaven – free from all pain and suffering – John 14:2/3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; Revelation 22:1-5
Service Details
Theme: Death and Bereavement
Reading: Luke 2: 25-35
Preacher: Alan Cole
Led by: Nathan Gordon
