Today’s reading: Numbers 22-25; Luke 2
I have read Luke chapter 2 many times, which speaks about the birth of Jesus, but today a few verses struck me. Luke 2:25-38 reveal two individuals that were never spoken about again the Bible, Simeon and Anna.
Starting in verse 25, Simeon is described as “this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Verse 26, “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” The Bible does not provide any detail about Simeon as a rabbi, public official, or a man of specific stature. He was “just and devout.” Seemingly, Simeon appears to be an “everyday person.”
Verse 37 tells us about Anna, “and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Luke outlines little detail of Anna’s interaction with Christ, but he wrote in verse 38, “and coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke referenced Anna’s interaction with Jesus to verify He was the Son of God.
What speaks to me about today’s reading are two things.
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- God uses normal, “everyday people” for great things.
Perhaps you live your life as a “normal person.” What great impact are you having in the world? What can be deemed extraordinary in your life? You have a family. You have a home. You live your life attending church and praising God. Maybe your life may not seem extraordinarily “great” in our earthly eyes, but God does amazing things with His faithful servants.
Perhaps your role is to raise children, nieces and nephews, or influence grandchildren that will bring generations of your family to follow Christ. Perhaps you volunteer at church or at community organizations and there is one person who you impacted that will go on to bring their family and generations of others to Christ. Or perhaps a person you impact will go on become a spiritual leader that will have a profound impact on generations of new believers.
Being faithful and consistent is worthy in God’s eyes. God used “normal people” time and time again in the Bible to change the world.
2. God rewards and appreciates His faithful servants.
Our reward for consistency and faithfulness will be known in Heaven. Verse after verse tell us this in the Bible.
Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Romans 2:6 – God will repay each person according to what they have done.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves full to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Simeon and Anna were faithful to God as “everyday people,” and God used them to verify the most important person to ever walk the earth, Jesus. God rewarded Simeon and Anna for their faithfulness, and they will forever be remembered in the Bible recorded in Luke’s account.
No matter what your status or place in life, you can have a profound impact in the eyes of our Lord. Choose to be consistent, faithful, and good and as God notes, in your doings each and every day. Know that your consistency, diligence, and labor towards a life of faith does not go unnoticed in the eyes of our Lord.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
