John and I were married nine years before we had our sons and started our parenting journey; so, we were very excited when our baby boys were born. As I held first one and then three years later the other, I looked at them and wondered what their future would be like and what God had planned for them. Although it was a mystery for many years, God was faithful to open the right doors at the right time and equip them for the work he had planned for them. It has been wonderful to watch God’s hand upon their lives. We can trust God’s Word to bring goodness.
In our passage today, Joseph and Mary have no idea what God has planned for His Son. Oh, this couple knows the baby is a miracle, but how this child will grow, develop, and serve God is a mystery to them. Their journey requires tremendous faith and trust in God’s promises.
Joseph and Mary take the child to Jerusalem for a dedication service. When the prophecy of Simeon is spoken, this beautiful couple stand in amazement. Simeon knows Jesus is God’s gift, the world’s Messiah, and he will reveal God to the world. The Way to Peace with God has come.
While the family is at the Temple, the prophet Anna beholds the Son of God who has been sent to rescue; she is filled with praise, and joins in the dedication celebration. Believers know Jesus is God’s Gift for salvation, too, so we join in the celebration and pray for unbelieving souls to one day see the Light!
Luke 2:25-38 NLT The Prophecy of Simeon
25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
29
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30
I have seen your salvation [Gift],
31
which you have prepared for all people [Messiah].
32
He is a light to reveal God to the nations, [revelation]
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
The Prophecy of Anna
36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this beautiful testimony of how Simeon and Anna were waiting for their promised Messiah and the joy and peace that filled their souls at his revelation. As believers, our hearts should be filled with peace and overflow with joy because of all the Son has provided for the rescue of our souls. Now, we wait eagerly, Lord, for you to return and gather your spiritual family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.