Waiting in Hope: The Faith of Simeon and Anna
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound theme of waiting and expectation, as illustrated in Luke chapter two. This passage introduces us to Simeon and Anna, two devout individuals who had been waiting for the Messiah. Their stories remind us of the power of hope and the fulfillment of God's promises. Simeon, a righteous man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. His encounter with the infant Jesus in the temple is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. Simeon's song of praise acknowledges Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' mission.
Anna, a prophetess, had dedicated her life to worship and prayer in the temple. Her encounter with Jesus reaffirms the joy and hope that the Messiah brings. Despite her long years of waiting, Anna's faith never wavered, and she became a witness to the fulfillment of God's promise. Her story encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the wait seems long.
The narrative also emphasizes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth and dedication. Born into a poor family, Jesus' parents could only afford the sacrifice of two pigeons, underscoring the message that Jesus came for the marginalized and the poor. This humility is a powerful reminder of the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.
As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of the importance of patience, faith, and hope in our own lives. Just as Simeon and Anna waited with expectation, we too are called to trust in God's timing and promises. In a world that often values immediacy, their stories teach us the value of waiting on the Lord and the joy that comes with the fulfillment of His promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Waiting: Simeon and Anna's stories teach us the spiritual discipline of waiting. Their patience and faithfulness remind us that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are always fulfilled, even if it takes longer than we expect. Waiting on the Lord is not passive but an active engagement in faith and hope. [40:05]
2. God's Faithfulness: Simeon's encounter with Jesus is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the long years of silence, God fulfilled His promise to Simeon. This encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful and will bring them to pass in His perfect time. [57:44]
3. The Humility of Jesus' Birth: Jesus' humble beginnings remind us that God's kingdom values are different from the world's. Born into a poor family, Jesus' life and ministry were marked by humility and service. This challenges us to embrace humility and serve others, following Jesus' example. [52:44]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Simeon's story highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing God's purposes. The Spirit led Simeon to the temple and revealed Jesus as the Messiah. This reminds us to be attentive to the Spirit's leading in our own lives, trusting that He will guide us in God's will. [58:53]
5. The Joy of Fulfillment: Anna's joy upon seeing Jesus is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes with the fulfillment of God's promises. Her story encourages us to remain hopeful and joyful, even in the waiting, knowing that God's promises bring true joy and fulfillment. [01:01:21]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Lectionary
[02:15] - The Theme of Waiting
[04:00] - Background of Luke Chapter Two
[06:45] - Simeon's Encounter with Jesus
[09:30] - Anna's Faithful Waiting
[12:00] - The Humility of Jesus' Birth
[14:30] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[17:00] - The Joy of Fulfillment
[19:30] - The Upside-Down Kingdom
[22:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:22-40
Observation Questions:
1. What were the circumstances surrounding Jesus' presentation at the temple, and what does this reveal about his family's socio-economic status? [52:44]
2. How did Simeon recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in this recognition? [58:53]
3. Describe Anna's life and her reaction upon seeing Jesus. What does this tell us about her character and faith? [01:01:21]
4. What specific prophecies or declarations did Simeon make about Jesus' future impact on Israel and the world? [01:00:03]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Simeon and Anna illustrate the theme of waiting and expectation in the context of faith? [40:05]
2. In what ways does the humility of Jesus' birth challenge societal values and expectations about power and significance? [52:44]
3. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in Simeon's life encourage believers to seek spiritual guidance in their own lives? [58:53]
4. What does Anna's dedication to worship and prayer teach about the importance of spiritual disciplines in maintaining hope and faith? [01:01:21]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something significant. How did you maintain hope and faith during that period? [40:05]
2. In what ways can you embrace humility in your daily life, following the example of Jesus' humble beginnings? [52:44]
3. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your decisions and actions this week? [58:53]
4. Anna dedicated her life to worship and prayer. What spiritual discipline can you commit to strengthening in your life, and how will you do it? [01:01:21]
5. Simeon and Anna found joy in the fulfillment of God's promises. How can you cultivate joy and gratitude in your life, even while waiting for God's promises to unfold? [01:01:21]
6. Consider the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first. How can you serve others in a way that reflects this kingdom value? [01:02:39]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with impatience. What practical steps can you take to develop patience and trust in God's timing? [40:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Discipline of Waiting
Waiting is not a passive act but a profound spiritual discipline that requires active engagement in faith and hope. Simeon and Anna exemplify this through their patient anticipation of the Messiah. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, held onto the promise that he would see the Messiah before his death. His encounter with Jesus in the temple is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises. Anna, a prophetess, dedicated her life to worship and prayer, waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her unwavering faith and joy upon seeing Jesus remind us of the hope that sustains us during long periods of waiting. Their stories encourage us to trust in God's perfect timing, knowing that His promises are always fulfilled, even if it takes longer than we expect. [40:05]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are currently waiting on God? How can you actively engage in faith and hope during this waiting period?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
Simeon's encounter with Jesus is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the long years of silence, God fulfilled His promise to Simeon, demonstrating that His word is true and reliable. This encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful and will bring them to pass in His perfect time. Simeon's song of praise acknowledges Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' mission. This reminds us that God's faithfulness extends beyond our personal circumstances to His grand plan for humanity. [57:44]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current challenges?
Day 3: Embracing Humility in God's Upside-Down Kingdom
The humble circumstances of Jesus' birth and dedication underscore the message that Jesus came for the marginalized and the poor. Born into a poor family, Jesus' parents could only afford the sacrifice of two pigeons, highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. This humility is a powerful reminder that God's kingdom values are different from the world's. Jesus' life and ministry were marked by humility and service, challenging us to embrace humility and serve others, following His example. [52:44]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and serve others in your daily life, following Jesus' example?
Day 4: Being Led by the Holy Spirit
Simeon's story highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing God's purposes. The Spirit led Simeon to the temple and revealed Jesus as the Messiah. This reminds us to be attentive to the Spirit's leading in our own lives, trusting that He will guide us in God's will. The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, providing wisdom and discernment as we navigate life's challenges. By being open to the Spirit's leading, we can align our lives with God's purposes and experience His guidance in our decisions and actions. [58:53]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life today?
Day 5: Finding Joy in the Fulfillment of God's Promises
Anna's joy upon seeing Jesus is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes with the fulfillment of God's promises. Her story encourages us to remain hopeful and joyful, even in the waiting, knowing that God's promises bring true joy and fulfillment. Anna's life of worship and prayer prepared her heart to recognize and celebrate the Messiah when He arrived. Her joy was not just personal but became a testimony to others of God's faithfulness. This challenges us to find joy in God's promises and to share that joy with those around us. [01:01:21]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: What promise of God are you holding onto today, and how can you find joy in the anticipation of its fulfillment?
Quotes
"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 the holy spirit was upon him and he had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the lord's messiah that day and the spirit led him to the temple and so when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the lord as law required Simeon was there he took the child in his arms and praised God saying sovereign lord now let your servant die in peace as you have promised I have seen your salvation which you have prepared for all people he is light to reveal God to the nations and he is the glory of your people Israel." [00:40:05]
"Jesus parents were amazed at what was being said about him then Simeon blessed them and he said to Mary the baby's mother this child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and many others to rise he has been sent as a sign from God but many will oppose him as a result the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your very soul." [00:47:44]
"Anna a prophetess was also there in the temple and she was a daughter of Phanuel and she was a daughter of the tribe of Asher and she was very old her husband died when they've been married only seven years and then she lived as a widow to the age of 84 so she never left the temple but stayed there day and night worshiping God with fasting and prayer and she 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." [00:52:44]
"Jesus would come to create something new, a new covenant, but he would not abolish the past. He's not going to just cut it off and say, I'm not following any of that. They continued to follow what was set before. Baby Jesus is treated as any other poor family child. Our text, it says when they came to the temple, they brought what for sacrifice? Two pigeons. Remember, two pigeons is the sacrifice for a family who could not afford the lamb." [00:58:53]
"So Jesus has come to create something new. He's coming from a poor family in poverty into this world. Not some king, not some ruler, but the average person, the everyday person coming to meet the requirements. And Jesus is brought to be dedicated as firstborn to the Lord, and this isn't bought back with a sacrifice. He was subject under the law so that eventually he could lead both Jew and Gentile to salvation, to a new covenant." [01:01:21]
"Another person has been waiting for a long time. Yet yesterday at Jan's memorial service, there's lots of wonderful people here to see that I hadn't seen for a while. One of which surprised me when we are grabbing food afterwards was one of my professors from Hope, Dr. Gene Sonnenberg. Maybe some of you know who does a lot of teaching at Turner or at Week of Missions. And as far as I remember, I heard he's been a pastor here or involved here in the past. His wife, Linda, was part of this church a long time ago." [01:06:45]
"They hadn't heard from any of the last prophets for almost 400 years. There had been no new word from God since then. They only knew that there was expectation of someone would come and save them. And through that time period, from the end of Malachi until the beginning of Matthew, we've got 400 years of history where the Israelites are kind of passed back and forth between kingdoms. They try and rise up in rebellion to have their own for a little bit, and then that's squashed down, but taken over from Greeks and then Romans." [01:09:30]
"And so obviously they've been waiting much longer than 100 years for something to celebrate. And here is Simeon waiting for the coming Messiah. He's lived through the Roman occupation. He's heard about the past attempts at freedom. He's studied Scripture, learning about the Messiah. He's described as someone who is devout, who is righteous, and who's filled with the Holy Spirit, who is told, you will not die until you see the Messiah." [01:12:00]
"And there had to have been, obviously, expectation, anticipation, but maybe year after year when nothing new is happening, and more and more is getting worse, where he's losing hope. But he hangs in, and he hangs in, and the Holy Spirit leads him to the temple that day. And as he goes to worship, he finds Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. And he's finally told, this is the one. This is who you've been expecting. This is the one who would save our people." [01:14:30]
"Someone from this long, long time of expectation, but also hopelessness, finally seeing that glimmer of hope, that flame that has started, the king who would come. Again, not writing in, but one coming in the form of a child, and not the child of a king or a ruler, but a child who must be bought back by two pigeons, because they couldn't afford a goat or a lamb for that sacrifice. And he would celebrate." [01:17:00]
"As he's talking with the family, another person, Anna, someone long waiting the Messiah as well, has come. Anna described as a prophetess. Someone who would share the word of God, who would come to the temple. We hear about her story that she was only married for seven years, and then now at the age of 84, she has stayed at the temple day and night in worship and expectation." [01:19:30]
"Jesus is good news for the poor, born into a poor family, and a prophecy about tearing down kings and rulers. Someone who would bring salvation to those in poverty, bring good news to those who are downtrodden. That they're told that they are valuable in God's kingdom. That God's kingdom is upside down. That those on the bottom are actually on the top in his eyes. That those that have nothing in the world obviously have the most to depend in him, the most faith in what God is doing." [01:22:00]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?