I think that their experience could teach us (at least me) something about waiting for God’s answers. Simeon and Anna have some attributes that can be copied and practiced in our own faith journey as we seek to see God in our daily lives.
First of all they were expectant. Simeon was “looking forward to the consolation of Israel.” (Luke 2:25b)
They believed the promise. “It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:26)
Anna and Simeon were dedicated to the Lord. Anna “never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day.” (Luke 2:37b)
Both were patient, having waited for years to see Messiah. Anna was 84-an ancient age in the first century!
They were available to God’s revelation when Jesus did come. “Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple…At that moment [Anna] came, and began to praise God.” (Luke 2:27, 38)
On this day when we remember that Jesus was a human child, and his parents were obedient to the Holy Laws, (Luke 2:22-24) what can these elderly prophets teach us?
As I considered Anna and Simeon, I had to ask myself a few questions about the way I wait for God to fulfill my requests and God’s promises in my life. You might have similar questions to answer about your faithful waiting.
Do I expect to find God every- and indeed any-where? Too often, I want God to be where and when I expect-say in church or among friends, not where my gifts or personality or beliefs will be challenged.
Can I believe the promise of God to me? “I know the plans I have for you,” says Jeremiah 28 and Romans 8 tells us that “all things work for good.” It is human to want our lives to go smoothly, though without all the bumps and challenges. I for one have to be reminded that God is in those times, too.
Am I dedicated to looking for God in all things, people, places or do I maintain that my way is the only way? Don’t we all stamp our feet, at God sometimes, and say “I want it MY way”?
How patient am I when God’s answer seems to be delayed or even when the answer is ‘no’?
How often am I available to God’s revelation in ways I don’t expect? Surely Simeon and Anna didn’t really expect God to be in a month old child-but they were available and open to God’s revelation.
I think all these questions might be answered by living out Paul’s advice in the Philippians and Thessalonians passages that we’ve been meditating on in this blog for the past month. By Rejoicing, Praying without ceasing, and giving Thanks in all things, we can be more open to God’s revelation and patient when the answer is delayed. Nope-not easy, but look at Anna and Simeon. They both recognized their Savior and praised God. Simeon’s hymn is used in the daily Evening Prayer service and is a wonderful prayer to go to sleep reciting.
“Lord, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
I’m sure Mary and Joseph pondered long on the words of these prophets, as should we. God still comes when and where we are least expecting.
Help me to wait expectantly, aware and yet patient for your coming, O Lord.
