Recently, I came across a Bach cantata which is based on the story of Simeon and Anna found in Luke 2. In the Scriptures, Mary and Joseph in compliance with the Hebrew law make sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. Father and mother with the infant Jesus in tow encounter the older Simeon and Anna. Both were faithful followers of God, and both were awaiting the coming Messiah. The Spirit of the Lord came upon these prophets, and they recognized Jesus as the promised Savior. Bach begins the story here, and Simeon sings as he holds the baby.
“I have enough.I was surprised that Bach’s reimagining of the biblical story struck me so profoundly. Poetry and music have long relied upon unfulfilled desires as their muse. We certainly understand the pain of loss and loneliness. We long for something more, but here Simeon sings of comfort and satisfaction. I have enough because I hold the Savior in my arms. Our restless wants and desires finally find Sabbath in the love that God gives to us in Jesus Christ.
I have the Savior, the hope of the faithful,
In the eager embrace of my arms.
I have enough.”
In a month, the church will be discussing stewardship, specifically financial stewardship. Perhaps, this is a strange time to declare, “I have enough.” However, we must remember that all generosity flows from this confession. Because I have enough, I freely give. We share precisely because we know that there is no limit to God’s grace. God freely takes care of the flowers and the birds, and God will take of us as well. We don’t hide behind walls. We share with a world unable or unwilling to see.
In times of political and economic uncertainty, these are radical words: “I have enough.” However, our Savior is not far from us. By faith, we hold him in our arms. We see the joy of the life to come. In God, we ultimately have peace.
In Christ,
James
