Scripture: “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 (Simeon) came in the Spirit into the Temple and when the parents (Joseph and Mary) brought in the child Jesus (to do for him according to the custom of the Law) he (Simeon) took him up in his arms and blessed God and said….(Luke 2:25-28)
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was 84. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour (when Simeon spoke over Jesus) she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38
Observation: Simeon and Anna, two ordinary people surrendered to an extraordinary God.
Analysis: I like to dig into the background of the people around Jesus. Know why? Because those people are me.
The record here in the beginning of Luke is 33 years before the crucifixion…and Luke records there were people, only a few to be sure but more than just Joe and Mary, that God revealed his Son to. These people were not (according to the record) preached to, they did not have a philosophical change of attitude, they were not convinced by logical (but ultimately self-serving) arguments—they sought God because He opened their hearts to do so.
What a thought: Simeon and Anna, for separate convictions, reasons, and circumstances, SOUGHT the Lord, waiting (syn. for the future in the making) for the Gift to all creation, Jesus (the consolation and redemption of Israel).
Do I see people like that around me? Do I see people like that when I look in the mirror?
Cringing, I candidly confess, no. And to my sorrow, most times it doesn’t bother me at all. Why?
For me, it is because I am not cultivating those things that are obvious to Simeon and Anna in my own heart and soul; that stuff is oblivious to me while I dedicate myself to the Rays win/loss record or trying to figure out my retirement plans, etc.
So, what would be my corrective action? I probably could bring up tried and true options, but I am hoping to learn more (maybe different stuff, maybe increased conviction on already known actions, as I go through Luke.
Prayer: Father God, hallowed is Your Name. I feel like a fishing bobber being pulled down to the depths but, once the pull is off, bloop I go back to the surface. Why is it that I cannot seem to stay in the depths of your Word, your Love, your Spirit for any length of time? Help me O God. AMEN.