12 consecutive days of working out. Eating great (healthy) and dropping a few pounds. I am on the way to getting back into shape. How are you doing with your goals?
In today's passage, we see that every Jewish boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day after birth (Leviticus 12:3). Circumcision symbolized the Jews’ separation from Gentiles and their unique relationship with God (Genesis 17:9-14). So eight days later, Mary and Joseph took the child to be circumcised. They named him Jesus, just as the angel had told Mary.
For forty days after the birth of a son and eighty days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the Temple. The purification offering was given at the end of her time of separation. Mary and Joseph were to bring an offering—a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare the woman to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the law said that the parents could sacrifice “either a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”
Luke introduced another person who would be divinely told of the Messiah’s arrival and who would confirm the baby’s identity. Simeon was spiritually in tune with God: righteous, devout, expecting the Messiah to come. He had all his life held on to God’s promise of a coming deliverer, so through the Holy Spirit, God promised that Simeon would not die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah.
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord, Simeon was there—having been led by the Spirit to be at the Temple on that particular day. God was ordaining this meeting, in keeping with his promise to Simeon. Mary and Joseph arrived in the Temple to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. There, the Spirit of God led Simeon to recognize this baby as the Savior.
Another person who recognized this special baby arrived on the scene, as Simeon was giving his words of prophecy to Joseph and Mary. It was Anna, a prophet (one sent from god to proclaim his truth). Anna had been a widow for most of her life; never remarrying but instead focusing her attention on worshiping God with fasting and prayer. Her lifestyle of worshiping, fasting, and praying indicates a woman of faith and strict devotion. While Luke did not record any exact words spoken by Anna, he wrote that she began praising God. As a second witness to the identity of this child, Anna praised God, as she perceived that this baby was the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.
Luke again mentioned the fact that Joseph and Mary had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord. Jesus was the Son of God, but his earthly parents had fulfilled everything that God’s law required regarding the birth of firstborn sons. They then returned home to Nazareth in Galilee, from where they had come to register for the census.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
When I read about Simeon and Anna, I am moved by the faithfulness of God. He does not forget His promises - even if they seem slow in coming to fruition. I am reminded of Habakkuk 2:3. From the Living Bible it says...
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
Would to God that He would build that kind of patience and perseverance and forbearance into my life. Would to God that He would give me staying power when it comes to praying for people and waiting on His promises. Would to God that I would not be driven by a "Fast-food, instant gratification, I want it now" desire. Lord, give me Your strength and power today. Give me Your heart for people.
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident!" Psalm 57:7 (AMP)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)
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