Two people in the temple.
Both praying.
Simeon was waiting.
Anna was worshiping.
Years
Anna had many years behind her, each day given to worship.
We don’t know how old Simeon was, but he knew the Lord would not take him home until he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
As far as he knew, he had many years ahead of him.
Regardless of the number of years before or after this moment in time,
the two remained faithful to the Lord.
Simeon
Simeon was:
righteous, devout, waiting, filled and in step with the Holy Spirit.
He spoke words that the Lord wanted him to speak to Mary and Joseph.
Anna
Anna was:
a prophetess, a widow, she fasted and prayed.
She spoke words of truth to those who would listen.
Both followers of God were used by Him to welcome
Jesus.
Modern Day
And then there is my world.
My crazy, fast-paced, modern world.
So many:
changes, confusion, frustrations, doubts.
Sometimes I feel like God is silent.
I’m waiting…
Stories
I read Old Testament stories that remind me
God is
sovereign over
time, leaders, space.
Be Like
“Be like Simeon and Anna,”
I remind myself.
Watch and pray.
Wait and worship.
God is in control.
My job is to keep my eyes on Him.
Advice
I think Simeon and Anna would say
“For days, for years,
It matters not how long.
The joy will outweigh the pain of waiting.”
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, who name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
Luke 2:25
“And there was a prophetess, Anna…She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
Luke 2:36a, 37b
What About You?
Are you waiting for something? A change? A promotion? A move? Resolution? Reconciliation? Health?
How are you waiting for it? Any tips you can take from Simeon and Anna?
Beautiful. Thank you for this reminder!