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I. Let us start with this great general principle which is full of comfort that EVERY BELIEVER MAY BE ASSURED OF ULTIMATELY DEPARTING IN PEACE. This is no privilege peculiar to Simeon, it is common to all the saints, since the grounds upon which this privilege rests are not monopolised by Simeon, but belong to us all.

1. All the saints have seen God's salvation, therefore should they all depart in peace. It is true, we cannot take up the infant Christ into our arms, but He is "formed in us, the hope of glory." It is true, we cannot look upon Him with these mortal eyes, but we have seen Him with those eyes immortal which death cannot dim — the eyes of our own spirit which have been opened by God's Holy Spirit. A sight of Christ with the natural eye is not saving, for thousands saw Him and then cried, "Crucify Him, crucify Him."

2. Believers already enjoy peace as much as ever Simeon did. No man can depart in peace who has not lived in peace; but he who has attained peace in life shall possess peace in death, and an eternity of peace after death.

3. We may rest assured of the same peace as that which Simeon possessed, since we are, if true believers, equally God's servants. The same position towards God, the same reward from God.

4. Another reflection which strengthens this conviction is, that up till now all things in their experience have been according to God's Word. The promises of God, which are "Yea and amen in Christ Jesus," are sure to all the seed: not to some of the children is the promise made, but all the grace-born are heirs. If, then, Simeon, as a believer in the Lord, had a promise that he should depart in peace, I have also a like promise if I am in Christ.

5. The departure of the child of God is appointed of the Lord. "Now lettest Thou," &c. The servant must not depart from his labour without his Master's permission, else would he be a runaway, dishonest to his position.

6. The believer's departure is attended with a renewal of the Divine benediction. "Depart in peace," saith God. It is a farewell, such as we give to a friend: it is a benediction, such as Aaron, the priest of God, might pronounce over a suppliant whose sacrifice was accepted. Eli said unto Hannah, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him." Around the sinner's death-bed the tempest thickens, and he hears the rumblings of the eternal storm: his soul is driven away, either amid the thunderings of curses loud and deep, or else in the dread calm which evermore forebodes the hurricane.

II. SOME BELIEVERS ARE CONSCIOUS OF A SPECIAL READINESS TO DEPART IS PEACE. When do they feel this? Answer:

1. When their graces are vigorous.

2. When their assurance is clear.

3. When their communion with Christ is near and sweet.

4. Saints have drawn their anchor up and spread their saris, when they have been made to hold loose by all there is in this world; and that is generally when they hold fastest by the world to come.

5. Saints are willing to depart when their work is almost done. Ah, Christian people, you will never be willing to go if you are idle. You lazy lie-a-beds, who do little or nothing for Christ, you sluggish servants, whose garden is overgrown with weeds, no wonder that you do not want to see your master!

6. One other matter, I think, helps to make saints willing to go, and that is when they see or foresee the prosperity of the Church of God. Good old Simeon saw that Christ was to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of His people Israel; and therefore he said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace." It must have reconciled John Knox to die when he had seen the reformation safely planted throughout all Scotland. It made dear old Latimer, as he stood on the fagot, feel happy when he could say, "Courage, brother, we shall this day light such a candle in England as shall never be blown out."

III. THERE ARE WORDS TO ENCOURAGE US TO THE LIKE READINESS TO DEPART (See Psalm 23:4; Psalm 37:37; Psalm 116:15; Isaiah 57:2; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Revelation 14:13). These promises belong to all believers; each of them is a sure word from God.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

WEB: "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;