“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36–38
By the calendar of Christ’s incarnation, He was just 8-days-old when Anna met Him in the temple. Her hope was greater than her pain. Worshipping and waiting for decades, Anna longed for the arrival of her Savior and the salvation He would bring. (She like Simeon are examples of Old Testament believers.) The Day she longed for that all true believers longed for dawned the evening of His birth in a stable only a few miles away, and continued on a 33-year trajectory straight to the cross.
By His declaration, “It is finished,” we are guaranteed an eternity of peace, joy, and wholeness. Presently, we live as objects of Abba’s affection—children under his Fatherly sovereignty. Heartache, loss, and pain continue; but they don’t get the last word. Our Lord Jesus does!
There is always much to struggle over this time of year materially, spiritually and/or emotionally which can cause us to doubt…but here before us is some sage advice from an old sage! Charles Spurgeon once wrote: “The Lord promises eternal life to those who believe in Jesus. Therefore, if we really believe in Jesus, let us conclude that we have eternal life, and let us rejoice in the great privilege. The promise of God is our best ground of assurance; it is far more certain than dreams and visions and fanciful revelations. God’s promise is far more to be trusted than feelings, either of joy or sorrow. It is written, He that believes on him is not condemned (John 3: 18). I believe in Jesus; therefore, I am not condemned. This is good reasoning, and the conclusion is certain. If God has said so, it is so, beyond all doubt. Nothing can be more certain than that which is declared by God Himself. Nothing is more certain to happen than that which He has guaranteed by His own hand and seal.”
On that Day we will see Him, being with Him face to face. There will also be the resolution to our knowing and loving only in part; and, at times, vexing over God’s timetable, and doubting His goodness. Oh, how I long for that day.
Until then, may the Gospel free us to worship, trust, and hope like Anna. Anna was always ready to see and receive the blessings from her Lord and Savior. My hope and prayer for all of us is that we will do our best to do the same. We must also pray for grace in 2025 to accept our Father’s ways, means, and timetable for all things. The wait may be long… but it will be worth it!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
In His Grip,
Pastor mike
