This chapter has the famous accounts of Jesus’ birth and shepherds encountering angels. It also has the lesser-known accounts of Jesus being dedicated at the temple, and later teaching / conversing in the tmeple as a young boy.
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ… And there was a prophetess, Anna… She was advanced in years… a widow… She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (v25-26, 36-38)
When baby Jesus was dedicated at the temple (per Jewish custom) the young family encounter these two devout followers of God, Simeon and Anna. Both individuals were elderly and wise, awaiting Jesus’ arrival, testifying of Him and God.
I’m not sure about you, but I want to be (spiritually) like Simeon and Anna – fully-devoted to my Lord, and testifying of Him to all I encounter. They not only used their words, but were devout in their practices as well, consistently worshiping and praying.
It’s so easy to fall away from God, be lukewarm, lose saltiness, hide our light under a bowl, etc. It’s also disappointing how few fully-devoted Jesus followers we encounter (including inside the church…). I encourage us to be fully-devoted Christ followers, His intentional disciples, incorporating spiritual practices into our daily lives, so we learn and grow consistently. May we also testify to others through both word and action, as Simeon and Anna did.
Father God, You have prepared our Salvation for the benefit of all peoples – You have blessed us with Jesus our King. Spirit please teach us to be fully-devoted Christ followers, practicing His ways of prayer and worship, so we may testify of Him so our neighbors can see Jesus through us. We seek to praise, honor, glorify, and obey You, with every word and action, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training