Today’s scripture: Luke 2:22-38 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
What stands out to me in today’s passage is the “waiting” of two old people, Simeon and Anna. It reminded me of my grandparents, Ruth and Earl, who were the most patient people I have ever known. They always seemed so calm and peaceful — no drama. Waiting is something we all can do, but unfortunately, waiting is usually something we do reluctantly.
But often I feel closest to God while I am waiting. Think about it — the found quiet time while waiting for an appointment, arriving early and waiting on class to begin, arriving to pick up someone from the airport when their flight is running behind, waiting on a friend who is running late, arriving to Church early and waiting for worship to begin.
Do we view this “waiting time” as time to connect with God? It can be time to ask God what can be brought into our awareness at this moment, time to ask God to help center us for what we are about to encounter, time to commune with the humankind who surround us during waiting, time to experience peace. Or do we stress out or go into a technological multi-tasking finger-exercising frenzy because we are waiting? We have become so attached to our Blackberries and cell phones.
God revealed to Simeon, who appears to be an ordinary man living an ordinary life, that he would see the Messiah of God, God in the flesh. God said this event would happen before Simeon died — but not in the next 30 minutes. Imagine how Simeon must have spent his time, first to be open to hear God’s promise to him then the wait for the promise to unfold. The wait was a lifetime, not a few minutes. Hopeful, prayerful, faithful, eager, and watchful is how I envision Simeon. Simeon lived a life of prayerful expectancy.
Anna had experienced sorrow in her life. We are told that she was a widow after seven years of marriage, then grew old alone. She could have been angry at God about this and dwelled in self pity, but instead Anna took up refuge in the temple and worshiped day and night. She spent her time, her lifetime, waiting prayerfully and expectantly for Jesus — and Jesus was revealed to her.
It’s interesting to me that Simeon and Anna were among the very first people to meet baby Jesus. Simeon and Anna were not affluent, not well known political figures, not the equivalent of rock stars or fashion models of their day. They believed and were hopeful and faithful in their belief — and for a long time.
Our experiences during waiting can be worthwhile. If Simeon and Anna can spend an entire life in prayerful expectancy, I can certainly make the most of the “waiting” opportunities that are placed before me during my day.
Thought for the day: Lord, help me during my waiting to remain hopeful and faithful.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.