He Shall ReignSample

Yesterday, we learned about Simeon and his first encounter with Jesus. Today, we see another introduction take place between Jesus and a prophetess named Anna. We can see from this small passage that Anna is someone we could all take notes from; although she was a widow and had suffered immense pain and loss, she had not become bitter. She had not lost hope. Instead, she served God with total devotion and surrender, seen in how she “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). Her walk with the Lord was shown by her love for Jesus and her desire to tell others about Him. Not only was she a woman of prayer, she was a woman of worship!

Just as Simeon had lived with the excitement and expectancy of Jesus’ arrival, Anna also knew He was the only hope that could redeem and change everything. He was and is the way, the truth, and the life. He was and is the Eternal Father. In Isaiah 44, the Lord says, “‘I am the first, and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.’” The entire Trinity was present for the creation in Genesis 1, meaning that Jesus has always been intertwined in the story, and we know He will have the final word. Anna knew that despite the tragedy she had endured, there was a Redeemer coming to change the trajectory of her life, along with all of humankind. Does the fact that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega define your outlook on life? 

APPLICATION:

Take some time to think through areas of your life where you may be bitter. It could be something as simple as unforgiveness over a trivial conversation to something as complex as several years worth of pain. Have you taken that area of your life and devoted it to the Lord? Just as Anna did in the midst of her struggle, take some time to respond in worship! Listen to No One But You by Hillsong Worship, and thank Him for His closeness to you.