Words of Life: An Enduring LegacySample

Fear to faith – Anna.

Prophecy, in its purest sense, has different impacts on people. Some receive it with joy, while it can leave others feeling a little sceptical. How does one sort the ‘wheat from the chaff’? How do we identify real prophecy and discard the rest?

Luke identifies that, even as Simeon was making his announcement of the light to the Gentiles and a glory to Israel, Anna arrived and began to prophesy over Jesus. Anna was an old, old lady. An elderly widow would have absolutely no status in Jewish life in these days, but this lady had been allowed into the temple area on a permanent basis, because of her devout faith and constant prayer. She and Simeon were both willing to accept that God was doing something completely new in establishing his Kingdom for all humankind. When she heard Simeon and saw Jesus, she also thanked God and spoke about Jesus to all who would listen.

Four hundred years without a clear word from the Lord, and now at the same dedication and presentation service, two of those most respected within the Temple of Jerusalem for being holy, devout, and righteous, both have their prophetic lips opened.

We have much to thank God for in the birth of Jesus, not least the consistent message that he is the Messiah. Zechariah, a righteous priest, Mary, Joseph, and farm workers are all visited by angels to prepare for his birth, and now two ‘pillars of the Temple’ both validate all that had gone before as they speak over the child and about him.

When has God brought along a Simeon or Anna into your life to encourage you and validate your faith in Jesus? Thank God for those people today.