Believing God’s Promise

Believing God’s Promise

Luke 2:25, 28-36, 38, NLT

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. . . . 28He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30I have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared for all people. 32He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” 33Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” 36Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. . . . 38She 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.

Setting the Scene

As Mary and Joseph entered the Temple, an old man, a stranger, took Jesus in his arms and began to praise God. Luke doesn’t tell us much about Simeon except that he was “righteous and devout” and that he was “eagerly waiting for” the arrival of God’s promised Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets. The Messiah would deliver God’s people and establish God’s Kingdom. All Jews hoped for the coming of their Deliverer, but God had told Simeon that he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. Simeon held on to this promise, so he had his eyes wide open, anticipating his Messiah’s arrival. Simeon may not have known what age the Messiah would be at their meeting. So he may have been surprised and thrilled upon learning that this infant was God’s Son. Just imagine how many babies Simeon had seen during this time, but he kept looking and trusting. And when Simeon saw Jesus, he knew this was the one.

After meeting Simeon, Mary and Joseph encountered Anna. This elderly Jewish woman spent most of her days worshiping and praying in the Temple. Seeing Jesus, Anna burst into praise, confirming what Simeon had said about the baby.

As we can certainly understand, “Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him” by both Simeon and Anna.

Getting Personal

What might have caused Simeon and Anna to waver in their faith? How did the Holy Spirit help them?

In what ways do God’s promises give you hope in times of waiting?

We probably won’t find Simeon or Anna in any list of major Bible characters. Yet more than two millennia after this incident in the Temple, we know about them and their faith in God’s promises. God’s Word contains many promises, including God’s continual presence, his sovereignty over world events, his Holy Spirit, his daily care, and his bringing us safely to heaven. During times of conflict, meager resources, loneliness, and suffering, God can seem distant. That’s when we need to cling to the truth that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus.

Talking to God

Thank God for the example of Simeon’s and Anna’s faith in his promises. Ask God to give you a steadfast spirit in times of conflict, meager resources, loneliness, and suffering.