Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. How wonderful it is to gather together in His name, to bask in the warmth of His love, to seek His wisdom, and to find solace in His promises. We are here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. Each one of us, unique in our experiences and perspectives, yet united in our faith and our desire to grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We get so caught up in our own plans and problems that we forget the grand narrative that we are all a part of. But today, we are going to shift our focus, to look beyond our own limited perspectives and see the world through God's eyes.

The great Christian author J.I. Packer once said, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." This profound truth is a reminder that our purpose is not found in the world around us, but in our relationship with God.

So, let's turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God. In the book of Luke, chapter 2, verses 22-40, we read.

Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to the truths contained in this passage. Help us to see beyond our own circumstances and to recognize Your hand at work in our lives. Guide us as we seek to understand and apply Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Transition. Now, let's unpack this passage together, focusing on three main points: Purposeful Presence, Perseverance in Purpose, and Participation in God's Plan.

Purposeful Presence

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of being present, of being in the moment. Yet, the story of Simeon and Anna in the temple reminds us of the importance of being fully present, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. They were not just in the temple; they were fully engaged in worship, prayer, and anticipation of the Messiah's arrival. Their presence in the temple was purposeful.

We see this purposeful presence in Simeon's life. He was described as a man who was righteous and devout. He was not just going through the motions of religious rituals; he was living out his faith in a real and meaningful way. He was guided by the Holy Spirit, and it was revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. This promise from God gave purpose to his presence in the temple. He was there, waiting and watching, fully present in the moment, ready to recognize and receive the Messiah when He arrived.

We also see purposeful presence in Anna's life. Despite her old age, she never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Her life was marked by a constant and dedicated presence in the temple. She was not there out of obligation or routine, but out of a deep love for God and a desire to be in His presence. Her life of prayer and worship was a testament to her faith and her anticipation of the Messiah's arrival.

This purposeful presence is really about being spiritually and emotionally engaged as well. It's about being fully present in our relationship with God, in our worship, in our prayers, and in our anticipation of His promises. It's about being fully present in the moment, with a heart that is open and ready to receive whatever God has in store for us.

This purposeful presence also requires patience. Simeon and Anna had to wait for the fulfillment of God's promise. They had to remain faithful and patient, even when the waiting was long and the promise seemed far off. Yet, they did not grow weary or lose hope. They remained steadfast in their faith and in their purposeful presence in the temple.

Application questions. This story challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we living with a purposeful presence? Are we fully present in our relationship with God, in our worship, in our prayers, and in our anticipation of His promises? Are we patient and steadfast, even when the waiting is long and the promise seems far off?

Perseverance in Purpose

Simeon and Anna were two individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO