Luke 2:29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;”
We all remember the little acronym R.I.P. This means to ‘Rest in Peace’ and has been in use for many hundreds of years. Jews and Christians alike employ the idea. However, we should understand that this epitaph is more expressive than it seems on the surface. It is indeed, as in this verse, tied to the hope of salvation. Simeon knew he could rest in peace because he had seen the Christ, the One who gives us eternal hope. So, to rest in peace does not mean to die forever, but for our body to rest until that future resurrection. It should have special meaning to those who belong to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for hope in Christ! You give us grace for death and life. Hope in Him is not just a nice way of thinking, it is a sure reality that we can rely upon. We praise You for Your plan of salvation! Never could we honor You enough dear Father. You are so wise! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.