Great Expectations

by Cloyce Sutton II

"And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel…" (Luke 2:25, NASB95)

We spend a good part of our lives waiting. We wait for the time when we can ride a bike without help. We wait for when we can go to school. We wait for our first job. We wait for marriage, and kids, and grandkids. We wait for retirement. We wait for death. Luke introduces two people who had long awaited the arrival of Jesus: Simeon and Anna. They are present in the temple at Mary's purification and Jesus' dedication, forty days after his birth (Luke 2:22-24; see Leviticus 12:6-8; Exodus 13:2, 12).

Two things impress us about Simeon and Anna: their ages and their devotion. Simeon was near the end of his life (Luke 2:26, 29) and was looking for the arrival of the Messiah, "the consolation of Israel" (v 25). Anna was eighty-four years old, and had been a widow for years (v 36-37).

Both were godly people. Simeon is described as righteous, devout, and full of the Spirit (v 25). Anna resided and served in the temple, and devoted herself to regular prayer and fasting (v 37).

Why were they so eager and excited about the arrival of this seemingly normal but obscure baby? Someone has said that atheists look for God the way thieves look for the police. In other words, what a person seeks reflects his or her character. Anna and Simeon sought a Savior. They sought the One who would bring salvation, light and glory into the world (v 29-32). In looking for this Savior, they found the child.

Simeon and Anna were awaiting the Messiah's first coming. Jesus' disciples today are awaiting his second coming.

What are you waiting for?

 

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