“A Lifetime Calling” Devotional

by Peg Cichon

Silence and Stillness Before God (3 minutes)

Scripture Reading-Luke 2:22-28

²² When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

³³ 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. 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.

Devotional

In this passage, we encounter Jesus’ family, who are devoted Jews following the Biblical commandments and instructions.  Mary comes to the temple to complete her purification rights forty days after giving birth, to offer a sacrifice after the birth of Jesus, and to consecrate their first-born son.  Consecrate means to declare their first-born son  sacred.  More wealthy families would offer a lamb for sacrifice.  However, Jesus’ family could only afford two doves.

Simeon is described as righteous and devout.  His name means the one who listens to the Word of God.   While Simeon is older and waiting for his death, he looks forward in hope to what God is calling him to do.  Simeon is listening to the Holy Spirit.

The temple is enormous, the size of several football fields, yet Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, goes to the temple and identifies Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus as the ones God has sent to him.  The Holy Spirit had given Simeon a great promise, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah.  When prompted by the Spirit, Simeon took Jesus in his arms declaring him to be the cause of much upheaval in the very fabric of  Israel.  Simeon goes on to say that Jesus will be a light to all nations including the Gentiles.  Then, however, he turns to Mary and predicts that she will suffer as she sees her son suffering.

Then, we meet the 84-year-old prophet, Anna, who has devoted the last 60 years or so of her life in prayer and devotion in the Temple.  Now, seemingly at the same time Simeon is talking, Anna bursts out, speaking on behalf of God, prophesying excitedly to everyone that this one-month-old child, this Jesus, was the redemption of Israel.  His parents are blessed by these two elderly prophets declaring Jesus’ amazing future.

Questions to Consider

• The Holy Spirit came equally to Simeon and Anna. How are you and your church encouraging women and men to consider their calling to ministering and preaching?
• Anna and Simeon did not retire from listening to the Holy Spirit or serving the Lord. How does this impact your vision of a lifelong calling?
• Are you setting aside a quiet time each week so that you can hear the Holy Spirit guide your life?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, give me a peaceful spirit to sit with you to hear your voice and understand your calling for my life.  Encourage me so that I serve you and your church for my entire life and never retire from the ways I can serve.  Give me the eyes to see and words of encouragement to see both women and men who are called and gifted to serve you. Amen.