“Now there was
one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity; 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.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all
those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38 NKJ)
one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity; 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.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all
those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38 NKJ)
Redemption of
mankind is not a new concept. God had already prepared for it before the
enemy’s deception in the Garden of Eden. But as soon as redemption was needed,
God promised it would come (Genesis 3:15).
mankind is not a new concept. God had already prepared for it before the
enemy’s deception in the Garden of Eden. But as soon as redemption was needed,
God promised it would come (Genesis 3:15).
And down through the
ages, men and women have longed for it, looked for it and sought after it. Some
have thought it comes through a boat and a rainbow. Others have thought it
comes through human ingenuity. Still others have thought it comes through laws
and practicing rituals. And even some have thought it comes through
philosophies, attitudes, science or even secret knowledge. Yet, despite the
redemptive nature in some human illustrations and concepts, none of them
have produced true redemption.
ages, men and women have longed for it, looked for it and sought after it. Some
have thought it comes through a boat and a rainbow. Others have thought it
comes through human ingenuity. Still others have thought it comes through laws
and practicing rituals. And even some have thought it comes through
philosophies, attitudes, science or even secret knowledge. Yet, despite the
redemptive nature in some human illustrations and concepts, none of them
have produced true redemption.
Only God can redeem
us from the sin, which resulted from the enemy’s deception in the Garden. And
God doesn’t provide it through human
ingenuity and schemes. God’s redemption only comes through God’s plan — his
son sacrificed for every one who won’t reject him (John 3:16).
us from the sin, which resulted from the enemy’s deception in the Garden. And
God doesn’t provide it through human
ingenuity and schemes. God’s redemption only comes through God’s plan — his
son sacrificed for every one who won’t reject him (John 3:16).
The truly amazing
thing is Anna saw and recognized God’s redemption in the child who had laid in
Bethlehem’s manger. She came into the Temple only moments after he had been
consecrated by Simeon according to the Law’s prescription. But Anna saw more
than a newly consecrated baby boy. She recognized him as the One by whom God
would redeem Israel and all the world. And she began immediately telling anyone
who would listen and all those who were looking for redemption.
thing is Anna saw and recognized God’s redemption in the child who had laid in
Bethlehem’s manger. She came into the Temple only moments after he had been
consecrated by Simeon according to the Law’s prescription. But Anna saw more
than a newly consecrated baby boy. She recognized him as the One by whom God
would redeem Israel and all the world. And she began immediately telling anyone
who would listen and all those who were looking for redemption.
Dear Father, thank
you for redeeming us through your son, Jesus Christ. Empower us to both receive
your redemption and proclaim him to everyone else who wants to be redeemed.
This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for redeeming us through your son, Jesus Christ. Empower us to both receive
your redemption and proclaim him to everyone else who wants to be redeemed.
This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today proclaiming God’s redemption,
courageous today proclaiming God’s redemption,