TEXT: LUKE 2:22-38; EXODUS 13:2.
About 40 days after the birth of the Lord, His parents took Him to Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord, at the temple. According to Leviticus 12:4-5, every male child was to be brought to the temple in Jerusalem for dedication to the Lord at the completion of a mother’s purification.
Once again His parents were being faithful to the Lord. His dedication to the Lord God involved some animals. Leviticus 12:7-8 says that Joseph and Mary could have offered either a lamb or two turtle doves or two pigeons if they are poor and cannot afford a lamb. The offering was an atonement for Mary’s purification and it had to be performed by a priest. More about the dedication in the temple.
THE POOR MARY AND JOSEPH.
- Mary and Joseph offered some birds and not a lamb. This means they were poor. Jesus’ ministry started from poverty. He was born in a poor family, He died as a poor man without wealth.
- The Jews could not believe the report of prophet Isaiah; the report of a great Messiah born in poverty-Isaiah 53:1.
SIMEON-A SPIRIT FILLED MAN-Luke 22:25-32.
- While Joseph and Mary were at the temple, a man named Simeon found them.
- Simeon was a spirit filled man.
- The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah or the Lord’s Christ.
- God loved Simeon so much as Simeon was also zealous for things of God; he was desiring to see the Messiah and the consolation of Israel. God had told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. God answers prayer as you pray.
- God is generous and goes beyond the prayer to offer more.
- Simon’s visit to the temple that day was guided by the Holy Spirit to coincide with the dedication of the Lord Jesus.
- Simon held Jesus in his arms and prophesied about salvation not only to the Jews (as he thought) but also to the gentiles too.
- Simon was a righteous man.
- Simon was a devout man.
- The Holy Spirit used a righteous and devout man.
- Righteousness and devotion to God are the qualities of a godly person.
ANNA-THE PROPHETESS-Luke 2:36-38.
God planned to encourage Mary and Joseph through Simon and Anna.
- Anna was a devout woman.
- Anna is described as a committed believer, one who “never left the temple, serving day and night with fasting and prayers.”
- God was pleased with Anna.
- At the time of the dedication of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit moved her to the temple too.
- Anna was from the tribe of Asher, one of the 10 tribes of the north, said to be lost. This shows that the 10 tribes of the north were really never lost as Anna the daughter of Phenuel was here in Jerusalem.
- Anna was a prayer warrior.
- She came to the temple and gave thanks to God and continued speaking of Jesus.
CONCLUSION
- Gods used Simon and Anna to prophecy, people who were devout-devoted. What was your level of devotion in 2023? Will you be more devoted to God in 2024?
- Anna served God with much prayer and frequent fastings. When last did you pray with fastings? Will you start 2024 with prayer and fasting?
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