Luke Chap 2 (KJV): 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Sometimes when we compare our devotion to God to that of people like Simeon and Anna, it can be pretty daunting. There are people all over the world today whose every waking thought is of God. Simeon and Anna were among them – many years ago. They lived their entire lives focused on Jehovah God Almighty. How magnificent. Do you think that pleased God?
They serve as a good example to us. Do we forget God and put Him last on the list of things we care about? Or is He involved in everything we do. I submit the goal should be that He be with us in spirit at all times and that we be ever conscious of Him. There is a booklet by Brother Lawrence called “The Practice of the Presence of God” in which he describes washing dishes in the monastery imagining that God is standing there beside him. He lived his whole life with that thought in mind.
God is worthy of our full attention. The gift of His presence and the gift of eternal life is what this life should be all about. It is the pearl of great price and treasure in the field worth selling everything to get.
While we don’t want to ever think that works, effort or suffering will gain eternal life for us, it is wise to evaluate ourselves to see if we really take God seriously. If you think you are failing the test, ask Him to give you a greater love and desire for Him. And begin to “practice the presence” daily.
