She Knew He’d Come

I recently heard a fascinating study on Anna the prophetess – one of the first people to recognize the baby Jesus as the saviour of the world. What is most remarkable is not how it happened but how she responded. "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, 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 to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:36-38). After decades of waiting, she walks in and sees the baby Jesus – and simply gives thanks and shares the good news. You might expect more awe and astonishment. But for her, it's a day she always knew was coming. It's like tending a bud every day until it blooms, revealing what you always knew would come. That's the joy of loving his appearing. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8). We are called to constant relationship with Jesus, always expecting him. When he appears, like Anna we will give praise and share the news – not in surprise, but in the joy of a love that has always known him. (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/Luk2v36-38, bit.ly/2Ti4v8