Chosen to Wait!

Simeon and Anna were elderly. They had gone to the temple daily all their lives and other than the daily worship of God, there was only one item on their agenda. Look at all the babies that were being brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord. I can easily imagine them looking intently at every one, asking the same old question of the Lord, day in and day out! "Is it this one?"

There had always been an assurance in their heart that they wouldn't die before they saw this special baby being presented. But until that day the answer had always been "No". Today was different. There was a quickening in their spirit, an assurance in their heart and then they found their lips speaking out words that only God could have given them. Their eyes had seen the very salvation of God and they had held this babe from heaven in their arms.

And so they told the world, and all subsequent generations, that the promise of the prophets had been fulfilled. Salvation had come, the Light for the Gentiles, the glory for Israel - people could now look forward to redemption. Simeon and Anna were only asked to do one thing by the Lord - provide prophetic witness to the identity of the child in Joseph and Mary's arms. But every generation of believers since has always remembered what they said and did!

What an encouragement that must be to us - to watch and wait patiently for the fulfilment of the destiny God has for each one of us. He may have many things for us to do or, like Simeon and Anna, there may only be one major responsibility planned for us, but our faithfulness will bring great blessing - even to many generations.

Prayer: Thank you for the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna. Help me Lord to remain faithful to you in all things as I await the fulfilment of my own destiny in God. In Jesus' name, Amen.