We are living in a post-truth society. Everyone is distracted. This is not unlike the society Jesus was born into.
Most everyone was distracted in Jesus's time. Herod was told the Messiah had been born. His reaction was to attempt to kill the Messiah. The teachers of the Law were distracted. The pharisees and priests were questioned about where the Messiah was born. They knew and read the prophesies, but instead of seeking Him out they eventually tried to destroy Him. Everyone was so distracted from the truth.
Except for two old people: Simeon and Anna.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] 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.” words of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32
Everyone could have seen this, but the didn't. With the coming of Jesus as a baby God was opening the door of heaven for everyone who wanted to come.
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.” Luke 2:33-35
Jesus was recognized by a stranger. This is what Joseph and Mary marveled at. After this, Simeon is never mentioned again in scripture.
Now to Anna:
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.[a] 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." Luke 2:36-38
How can we live like Simeon and Anna, not distracted in a post-truth society?
1. Don't quit -- they didn't give up for years!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
2. They did what God told them to do!
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11
We've all been given talents skills and resources. Use them all to glorify God. Also to build the church up.
3. Fully committed to God and their mission:
Simeon was so in touch with the Spirit he knew it was time to go to the Temple to see the Messiah.
"Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5
Anna -- she had a life of loss, but she was full of joy!!
4. Strength of witness, character and mission.
Both Simeon and Anna were focused. What do we need to be focused on? Jesus and our mission: The Great Commission!
There are no do-overs. Once someone dies they die. When Jesus comes again, the door to Heaven is slammed shut. If a person's name is not in The Book of Life that person will not be in heaven. While everyone else was distracted, Simeon and Anna weren't. Don't be distracted. Keep on Mission.
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." 1 John 2:28
God is giving us one more day to speak to look, to seek; one more day to love people and Him.
5. Took Direction taken straight from God.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
We should look at everyone through the eyes of Jesus. We are to take our direction from God -- we must do (not just read) what He says to do. Anna and Simeon's lives were built around God. Get in tune with God and await the coming of Jesus.
Get rid of distractions. Focus. Focus. Focus. Live in Anticipation!
Except for two old people: Simeon and Anna.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] 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.” words of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32
Everyone could have seen this, but the didn't. With the coming of Jesus as a baby God was opening the door of heaven for everyone who wanted to come.
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.” Luke 2:33-35
Jesus was recognized by a stranger. This is what Joseph and Mary marveled at. After this, Simeon is never mentioned again in scripture.
Now to Anna:
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.[a] 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." Luke 2:36-38
How can we live like Simeon and Anna, not distracted in a post-truth society?
1. Don't quit -- they didn't give up for years!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
2. They did what God told them to do!
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11
We've all been given talents skills and resources. Use them all to glorify God. Also to build the church up.
3. Fully committed to God and their mission:
Simeon was so in touch with the Spirit he knew it was time to go to the Temple to see the Messiah.
"Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5
Anna -- she had a life of loss, but she was full of joy!!
4. Strength of witness, character and mission.
Both Simeon and Anna were focused. What do we need to be focused on? Jesus and our mission: The Great Commission!
There are no do-overs. Once someone dies they die. When Jesus comes again, the door to Heaven is slammed shut. If a person's name is not in The Book of Life that person will not be in heaven. While everyone else was distracted, Simeon and Anna weren't. Don't be distracted. Keep on Mission.
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." 1 John 2:28
God is giving us one more day to speak to look, to seek; one more day to love people and Him.
5. Took Direction taken straight from God.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
We should look at everyone through the eyes of Jesus. We are to take our direction from God -- we must do (not just read) what He says to do. Anna and Simeon's lives were built around God. Get in tune with God and await the coming of Jesus.
Get rid of distractions. Focus. Focus. Focus. Live in Anticipation!
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