Not long after receiving the sign of the covenant (circumcision) Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem by Joseph and Mary. And there, though it was a passive act, Christ rewarded two particular people who had for years patiently and faithfully awaited the coming of the Messiah, Simeon and Anna.
For Simeon the revelation of Jesus as a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel (Luke 2.32) was the fulfillment of a promise made to him by the Holy Spirit. (2.26) The promise had supplied hope and strength to the aged one, knowing that death would not come for him before he saw the Savior.
For her part, Anna had prayed and fasted in the temple night and day for many years (Lke 2.37). A prophetess, Anna too knew that the child in Mary's arms was the One Israel had been long for for a thousand years, and she offered great thanks to God that Israel's long wait for its Messiah was over, and redemption was drawing close.
Jesus has not stopped fulfilling the promises of God's Word to men and women, the young and the old, Gentile and Jew. What He did, He still does. Those who believe in Him still depart this life in peace, like Simeon. Like Anna, all who know Jesus give thanks to God and and speak to others of His redemption.
For Simeon the revelation of Jesus as a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel (Luke 2.32) was the fulfillment of a promise made to him by the Holy Spirit. (2.26) The promise had supplied hope and strength to the aged one, knowing that death would not come for him before he saw the Savior.
For her part, Anna had prayed and fasted in the temple night and day for many years (Lke 2.37). A prophetess, Anna too knew that the child in Mary's arms was the One Israel had been long for for a thousand years, and she offered great thanks to God that Israel's long wait for its Messiah was over, and redemption was drawing close.
Jesus has not stopped fulfilling the promises of God's Word to men and women, the young and the old, Gentile and Jew. What He did, He still does. Those who believe in Him still depart this life in peace, like Simeon. Like Anna, all who know Jesus give thanks to God and and speak to others of His redemption.
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