December 16, 2021
Scripture- Luke 2: 22-38
Luke distinctly points out that Simeon and Anna are up in age. More importantly, both Simeon and Anna are familiar with the Holy Spirit.
There is so much to gain from Simeon and Anna's choice of hope. Again, they were living in some rather dark times. God's people were not valued by Herod the Great, they were poor, heavily taxed, and living in fear of what could happen next. They had not heard from God in over 400 years, and they were still waiting for the Messiah to redeem God's people. In those circumstances, I have to confess, it would be very difficult to hold on to hope.
In Simeon's case, he was likely so old, he was near death. When he saw God's plan for salvation, he was ready to die. He asked God to take him home. The Bible says Simeon was righteous and devout. He also had a relationship with the Holy Spirit which is how he recognized the voice of the Holy Spirit. Simeon knew he would meet the Messiah before he departed. No doubt, this was Simeon's greatest desire and prayer. For he was part of a small remnant looking for the Messiah. His hope was deep and profound, and one day, the Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go to the temple courts. When he saw Mary, Joseph and their baby, he knew this baby was the answer to God's promise, and Simeon broke out into a song of praise. What a gift God gave to Simeon for his eagerness! Simeon would have missed it all if he was inwardly focused, worried, depressed, ungrateful or uninterested in what the scriptures say.
Similarly, Anna was 104+ years old. The sheer fact that Anna was named a prophetess gives us a glimpse of the amazing woman must have been. It was rare for women to be regarded as much in those days. The Bible says Anna had been widowed for 84 years. The Bible does not say whether or not she had children, but we do know that she was residing at the temple. God's Word tells us she never left the temple--day or night. Luke is keen to mention that Anna is from the tribe of Asher--a branch from the son from Jacob (God named Israel) and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. It is precious that God does not discount her as others have. God saw her. He saw her circumstances and her sacrificial thanksgiving. Anna had every reason to live in despair and allow grief to overtake her. But oh, how Anna lived! She spent her days fasting and praying. Anna was committed to the hope that Jerusalem would have a Savior. She was granted the privilege of meeting Christ, her Savior, as a 40-day old baby, and she was gifted the ability to see what sacrificial thanksgiving can do. Anna gave great thanks to God by going and telling all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Her thanks had action.
Regardless of your circumstances, do you hold fast to hope and thankfulness? What is God teaching you in these circumstances?
Does your thankfulness to God turn into an action?
What song will you keep written on your heart to worship Jesus this Christmas?
I am praying for you on this Thursday, friend. May our worship of him be deep and sweet so that others may know Yeshua is worthy of all praise and glory.
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