“他得了圣灵的启示，知道自己未死以前，必看见主所立的基督。” - 路 2:26

? Patient Anna And Simeon

"It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah." — Luke 2:26

? Devotion

An old man stands in the temple with a baby in his arms. Chuckling with giddy joy, or lost in wonder? Then he announces that he has seen God's salvation and he can die in peace.

But what has Simeon seen, really? It's just a little child in his arms, a speechless newcomer to the world. Whatever salvation this baby might work is still only a promise and a hope. But Simeon stands there in grateful anticipation at the future he holds in his hands.

Then there is the prophet Anna, also old and approaching the end of her days. She adds to the joy and praise of the moment.

By the time Jesus becomes a grown man, Simeon and Anna will have died. They will not be able to see with their own eyes what Jesus does as the Savior of the world. But in their patient faith they saw enough to know that God is true to his promises.

Today we know more than they did, for we have the rest of the gospel story. And we hope for more. Having tasted the kingdom's presence, we hunger and thirst for its coming completely when Jesus comes again.

But for now, may we stand here in patient faith, like Anna and Simeon, and say, "We have seen him, and that's enough for now. We know and trust that the Lord will keep his promises."

? Prayer

Holy God, fill our hearts with wonder, strength, and patience at the revelation of your glory that we have seen in Christ, our Lord. Amen.

诵读:楚云   片头: 张妙阳

感谢《普世佳音》制作上传网络

文字校对：李清

图文编排：裕化

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