“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e]She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2.33-38
It’s no mistake that God used two older individuals to encourage Mary and Joseph and to bear witness to the coming of the Christ child. Simeon and Anna were both elderly and faithful. This matters. Moreover, the fact that there were two people to bear witness is also significant. These two individuals, who served the Lord night and day for decades and were finally rewarded by seeing Jesus, are remarkable.
Regarding Anna, the text tells us she was married for only seven years before becoming a widow. Then, for the rest of her life—84 years, by this account—she “never left the temple” and “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying.” Talk about commitment. She sounds like a modern nun or monk who dedicates themselves fully to God. Worship of the Lord becomes their work. They never stop, never leave. While the rest of the world is caught up in its busyness—raising children, attending school, building careers, buying houses—these individuals pray, fast, worship, and repeat.
The work of Anna and Simeon matters, but so does the work of those who serve out in the world. John Wesley said, “The world is my parish,” and he meant it. He took his version of the Gospel of Christ throughout England, to the Americas, and eventually to the world.
Whether Christ is calling you to serve in the equivalent of a temple day and night or out in the world, our calling is the same—to remain faithful and to bear witness to Christ. Anna and Simeon had the privilege of seeing Jesus and affirming who He was; we carry Him in our hearts and are able to do the same. We are called to full devotion to Christ and to help accomplish the Lord’s mission while we are on earth and have breath in our lungs.
Is God calling you to be fully devoted to Him? What does this look like in your own context? Are you called to the devout life (such as in a monastery), or can your devout life be lived out in the world? Seek Christ, follow His way, and allow Him to use you to build the kingdom and make disciples of Jesus Christ.
“O Lord God, help me be devoted to You so I might see Your glory and bear witness to Your power. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, help me walk in Your ways, and follow Your decrees. I praise You, Lord, and love your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen