NT Promise 23: Depart in Peace

Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

Simeon was an old man hanging around the temple. The Holy Spirit had told him he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Then one day Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple for sacrifice. Simeon saw the baby, and immediately in his spirit he knew this child is the long-awaited Messiah.

Now he could peacefully die. As he took the baby in his arms he said, “Now I may depart in peace.” He could die in peace, for the Lord has fulfilled His promise of salvation and deliverance. This came about “according to God’s word.” The hope of Israel and the Savior of all people has actually come to us here and now.

The promise is also meant for us, for “we have see his salvation” when we came to faith in Christ. After we heard and believed the Gospel we can say with comfort and conviction: now I can depart in peace. I am ready to die peacefully for I know the Savior and I know where I am going after death. Of course, we won’t “depart” until it’s God’s time, but we can be peaceful and joyful all the time. Knowing what happens at the end of life impacts how we live in the present life.