-December 9, 2023-
Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,
“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption in Jerusalem.”
(Luke 2:36).
Luke in his thorough and detailed way tells the story of Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, a widow who had only been married for seven years before her husband died, and was now 89. Instead of sulking, pouting, or complaining she chose to dedicate herself fully to the Lord. She did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. How do we react to loss?
She, like Simeon, were among the godly Jews who waited for the Lord’s coming in His first advent. They called it waiting for the consolation and redemption in Jerusalem. These dear saints knew the Scriptures and waited a long time for Messiah to come. Days would turn to months, months would turn to years. They were undeterred, waiting patiently for the the Lord to come.
Because she had the right attitude, and she was in the right place at the right time. She got to see the baby Jesus who was eight days old. She gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Jesus to others. She may have been old, but she was still young at heart. She served more than many others much younger than she.
I am reminded of the hymn entitled, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” It was translated from a 9th century Latin hymn. It says, “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that morns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” Anna rejoiced, Simeon rejoiced, all those who were waiting for the Messiah rejoiced.
Jesus the Light of the world shined through the darkness, dispelled the dark clouds of doubt and fear, and redeemed us to Himself. Let us not be discouraged, troubled or fearful by what is happening in the world today. Jesus is coming to take us home to heaven. His promise will be fulfilled. Let us lift up our heads for our redemption draws near.
Have a blessed day Christmas season. Stay safe and healthy.
It is always becoming to wait for His coming,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 