GPS Guide – June 7, 2019

LUKE: PART I

Friday

Read: Luke 2:25-40

“²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” ³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. ³⁹ When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. (Luke 2:25-40 NIV)

Study: After we meet Simeon and hear his beautiful praise to God, for a short second, we are introduced to Anna. Who was Anna? Her role was much the same as Simeon’s—a servant/prophet who has seen who Jesus will be.  She was an elderly believer who had centered her life around worship and the promises of God. She was known as a righteous woman and a prophetess (v. 37). There is no mention that she had received a specific promise as Simeon had, but her appearance at that exact moment was no accident. The Spirit had led her there and empowered her to recognize baby Jesus and prophesy concerning Him. What do you desire for your children, or for the children whom God has placed in your life? What are your goals and dreams for them? Sometimes we get too caught up in temporal pursuits such as school or sports or music lessons. Verse 40 provides some needed perspective, reminding us that even Jesus grew both physically and spiritually. He was once a child too. Use this verse in your prayer to the Lord today, submitting to Him all the goals, plans, hopes, and dreams that you have for your children. 

Prayer: You have prepared me O Lord. I submit to you both my hopes and fears. Raise your children so that they may do your will in this world. Amen.