Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage.
LIFE SUPPORT CALL TO PRAYER
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose
name was Simeon, and this man was righteous
and devout, waiting for the consolation of
Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
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. …, and when the parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for him
according to the custom of the Law, he took
him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart
in peace, according to your word; for my eyes
have seen your salvation that you have
prepared in the presence of all the peoples, a
light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for
glory to your people Israel.’”
LUKE 2:25-32 ESV
The Sight of Christ
by Carla van Eyk, PPL Executive Director
When an older person of faith, such as Simeon, pronounces a heartfelt blessing over you and your child, it encourages your young family to trust God for the anticipated demands of parenting in the times of a troubled world. Simeon prophesied by the Holy Spirit that Jesus, himself, was uniquely “appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed … so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Even while Mary may have been pondering what Simeon meant when he said to her, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also,” the Holy Spirit drew the prophetess Anna with rejoicing toward Mary, Joseph, and eight-day-old Jesus (Luke 2:34-38 ESV).
Anna, a longtime widow well-advanced in years, overflowed with a worshipful heart of thanksgiving to God for this long-expected redemption of her people. Her faith-filled prayers and fasting, day and night, at the temple in Jerusalem had prepared her to hunger for what
the Lord had satisfied in that special encounter with the newborn King. Her exuberant rejoicing and profession of faith must have been contagious for all those awaiting the
promised Messiah in her midst! “[The righteous] are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green …” (Psalm 92:13-14 ESV).
May we at any age follow the example of our elder saints Simeon and Anna, who lived by faith in God’s Word and His promise of a coming Messiah. Similarly, as Anna, may we find opportunity to speak of faith in our returning Savior, “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16 ESV). Likewise, as Simeon, may we seek to be and give a blessing to new parents or those in need of the Lord’s encouraging word. May we, the body of believers, fast and pray expectant prayers for God’s Kingdom to come and the deliverance from evil, while seeking to do His will all our earthly days. As Simeon, Anna, and other saints before us, may we seek to live lives set apart for God’s purposes and His glory. Bride of Christ, please join us this season leading up to Advent and through year’s end to pray fervent prayers for blessing the new generations to come.