Simeon & Anna
So we’ve started 2021 with another lockdown. To be honest I expected this to be the case, but it’s not good news. Once again, we have to stay at home, limit our exercise and hide away from people.
It’s tough on us all: for children and those trying to teach them online. For those in and running care homes, and for all NHS staff who are already overwhelmed.
Christmas was very different and with the decorations all packed away we face a long hard winter. Once again, I turn to God for encouragement, strength and hope.
A short time after Jesus was born, Mary & Joseph took him to the Temple in Jerusalem for his ceremonial ‘presentation’, as their firstborn son. This was the cultural norm, but whilst they were there something peculiar happened as they were met by two people. Firstly, a man...
“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. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God...”
And then a woman...
“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, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 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.”
Both these people had been waiting in the Temple until this day. They probably shocked, blessed, encouraged then confirmed to Mary & Joseph the significance of Jesus. But why is this relevant now? As we enter another lockdown consider these 3 things:
there will be some who have time on the hands. Use this time to focus on God in prayer for the many needs around.
there will be others who are trying to go about their normal life but need encouragement. Who can you bless and encourage today?
God has not abandoned you. He is working and will fulfil what He has promised!
Please check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe & God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader