Being Spiritually In-tune Has Its Rewards

Text: Luke 2:21-38 Theme: Simeon and Anna got to see and hold God because they were spiritually prepared and expectant. Key verses: “Now there was a man in Jeruselem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:’Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…'” (v. 25-30) “There was also a prophetess, Anna…She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child…” (v. 36-38) What God said to me: Dwayne, the greatest lesson you can learn here is the importance for you to always be ready and waiting for me to reveal myself to and through you. Why do you suppose I chose Simeon and Anna for such an earth-shattering opportunity? There were thousands of others who regularly kept the Law and visited the temple. Yet, two people were selected for this special and privileged chance of a lifetime. Simeon and Anna were righteous. They kept themselves from sin. Dwayne, that is the first requirement. Anna had been a lonely widow for most of her life, yet she did not use that as an excuse not to faithfully serve me day and night. Simeon was constantly looking and anticipating the Messiah I had promised. His spiritual attenaes were high and attuned to the slightest hint of revelation about my son. The Holy Spirit anointed him because of his devout and deligent lifestyle. Do you want to see the miracles, the supernatural movements that 99.9% of the general population will never notice? Then you too must be finely in-tune with me both night and day every day for the rest of your life – no excuses. What I said to God: Hallelujah, El-Elyon, for speaking so clearly to my spirit this morning. When I finally stopped to humbly ask for understanding of this passage, you have poured it on me. Thank You, my precious Father and God. I know and shamefully admit that I don’t stay connected to and focused on You 24/7. There are moments – yea, there have been whole days – when my mind and heart are rebellious and running in their own directions away from You. Forgive me and cleanse me for that. I will never deserve any special attention or revelations, nor do I ask for them. I just want to be wholely devoted to You for life. How You respond to that is totally good with me. I’m not going to hell and I’m living for eternity with You. What more could I possibly ask?