Rededicating Our Lives – Refocusing Our Vision

The following is adapted from an upcoming article from the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church newsletter.

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph go up to Jerusalem to dedicate him to the Lord according to Jewish law and custom (Luke 2:22-40).  They are met by a devout man named Simeon who has been guided to the temple by the Holy Spirit to see the Messiah.  Simeon takes the child from Mary and Joseph – without so much a by-your-leave, it seems! – and bursts into song: “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon’s song, which has come to be known as the Nunc dimittis, captures the essence of what it means to behold Jesus and recognize him as Messiah.  Simeon knows that in seeing Jesus he is beholding the One who creates meaning; the One through whom we discover who we are.  Now Simeon can find peace and prepare to depart because after Jesus, what else could someone want to see?  I would even go so far as to say that in seeing Jesus, Simeon’s way of seeing is itself changed.  From now on he will view the world through the experience of seeing Jesus.

The story begins with a dedication and ends with a new way of seeing that brings peace and glory.  As we enter the New Year and, perhaps, make resolutions once more I think that this story provides a good working model for doing so.  First, may we go up before God and rededicate our lives to his gracious purposes.  Then let us see the world through Jesus; let us see Jesus in those around us; let our lives be songs sung to God’s glory, songs that reveal God to those around us.  May you in 2012 behold Jesus, and may you behold the world through him.  May your vision be refocused and your lives rededicated to the glory of God.