MODELS OF IMPACT IN OLD AGE (5)

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples” – Luke 2:25a

Simeon and Anna epitomize eternal MODELS of IMPACT in OLD AGE: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Lk.2:30-32). These were the words of Simeon, whom the Bible described in such striking terms as “just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (v.25). Simeon was honoured in his old age, to recognise the Child Jesus as the Messiah, bear Him in his arms, and prophesy into His future. What a glorious and eternal privilege!

Simeon lived with a deep expectation of the Messiah's arrival, guided by the Holy Spirit. He immediately recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah when he saw Him in the temple. He offered a prophetic blessing to Mary and Joseph, foretelling Jesus' future and the impact it would have on them (vv.34-35). Having witnessed the fulfilment of God’s promise and accomplished his God-ordained Purpose – to welcome the Messiah – Simeon declared his readiness to depart in peace: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation” (vv.29-30).

Anna, the prophetess, another model of devotion, actively served God in the temple, awaiting the Messiah’s birth. A devout widow of about 84 years – assumedly about 100 years, she spent her days in the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayers night and day. She never left the temple, signifying unwavering faith and a consistent prayer life (v.37). Like Simeon, Anna as a prophetic Witness, recognized Jesus as Messiah and spoke about Him to others, further sharing the news: “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (v.38).

Despite their age, these models of sacrificial service, firm faith, and unwavering devotion played a significant role in recognizing and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. They embody the virtue of waiting with hope and expectation for God's promises to be fulfilled. Their lives demonstrate that old age can be a time of spiritual insight, active faith, and eternally impactful prophetic witness. Their story highlights the potential for spiritual clarity and wisdom to grow with age and experience, and can inspire older believers to remain active in faith as they share their wisdom and insights with younger generations. 

Simeon and Anna were not just passive observers of the events unfolding around them. They were actively involved, engaged, and contributing to the narrative of faith and redemption, providing a powerful message about the potential for impactful ministry and spiritual leadership in old age.