As we begin this message, we reflect on God's use of elderly saints in His eternal purposes. Sometime we tend to think God uses the young. Yet God is pleased to use those in advanced age as well. Anna was a widow of 84 years old. Anna and Simeon are still vigorous in service of the Lord in their latter years. How encouraging it is to see those still holding onto the precious truths of God after many years. Anna and Simeon are overcomers despite Simeon waiting long for the promised Messiah and suffering the spiritual apathy of his day and Anna facing the difficulties of widowhood. We should want to press on and persevere and make Christ known, even in our later years if God spares us. Your service for God does not end on your retirement. The young need to hear from older saints. Simeon has a task given to him by God to instruct Mary. We learn the following:
1. There is a continuity of truth in the revelation of the Messiah The language employed by Simeon has a scriptural tone to it. The light to lighten the Gentile (2:32) hearkens back to Isaiah 9:1-2.
2. There is the sovereignty of God in redemption through the Messiah Behold this child is set (2:34). The child has been set by God the Father. It hearkens to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. The fall refers to those appointed to damnation. The rising refers to those appointed to faith and salvation. Simeon was a Calvinist.
3. There is the responsibility of man in receiving the Messiah The sign being spoken against was Christ being rejected. The Jews were held responsible for this. Don't use sovereignty to deny responsibly.
4. There is a sincerity of heart in the religion of Messiah
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