History Books in 90 Days: 1 Samuel 18-19
SIMEON & ANNA
Luke 2:24-28 25 Simeon was righteous and devout…It had been revealed to him by the Holy
Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ… When the parents brought in
the child Jesus…28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God (NIV)
Luke 2: 36-38 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna…, she was very old…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.
Old Simeon certainly knew the words of the prophets of old and received Jesus, blessing and
praising God. Simeon declares that “his eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:30). He was not
ashamed to declare that this Child was the Saviour of the world and the light to the Gentiles. No
wonder his prophecy caused Mary and Joseph to marvel over all that was being said regarding
Jesus. Then we have the aged Anna as a witness to the Christ’s birth. This woman lived a
selfless life of fasting and prayer and received a rich reward for her godliness, seeing the longpromised
Redeemer and speaking of Him to all that would hear. We have much to imitate from
Anna’s life. Are we living our lives in the promises of Scripture, fasting and praying, patiently
awaiting the second coming of Christ? Are we yearning for complete redemption from sin,
sorrow and Satan? By character and conduct, are we anticipating His return? Notice that both a
woman and a man testified to the Lord’s birth! There is HOPE for all people; the Saviour came
to erase gender prejudice, for He loves both men and women alike and empowers them both
with His Spirit for ministry!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Lord to show you any areas of gender prejudice that you may have in your heart.
2. Confess the gender prejudice that has plagued the church for thousands of years. Ask the
Lord to forgive us for these sins.
3. Pray that God would raise up more women leaders in the church, women like Anna, who
live godly lives of fasting and prayer.
