December 11, 2023: Good News For Gentiles!

Jesus, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:32, ESV)
 
As a gentile, I am most thankful that God did not forget us. As Simeon proclaims truth over Jesus, he declares that Jesus is a light for revelation to the Gentiles. This is great news! The Gentiles are also included in God's glorious plan of salvation. We have hope!

What does 'a light for revelation' mean? It means that even though Israel already knew God and was in a relationship with Him, the Gentiles were also loved by God and offered a relationship with Him! But they would have to 'see' God for that to happen. To 'see' means that the light of understanding would have to come on. John writes in his Gospel, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:4, ESV) And in verse 10, "all who would receive Him would become children of God! Relationship! We Gentiles can have a relationship with God.

Jesus would be glory for the people of Israel! In other words, they, too, would need to receive this light to be saved or have eternal life. Having done so, they would be the nation, the people, God's holy people, through whom Messiah has come. They would stand in glorious relationship with Father God! The Glory of Jesus would be seen as having come through the nation of Israel! What a blessing for the Jewish people! What a blessing for all who receive Him!