Today is November 16
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from the gospel of Luke, chapter 2.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
36 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, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 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.
Simeon was a man led by the spirit, and Anna was a woman filled by the spirit. Sitting here right now – wherever you are – are you fully expectant of a move of Gods spirit? Are you open to the interruption of the spirit? How might you stir up a gift of faith in God’s presence with you today? Perhaps through worship, or fasting today? Talk to God about this.
As you listen to the scripture again, ask God to highlight one word or phrase for you to contemplate today. I’m going to ask you to write it down so you can remember it as we end!
Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Consider that phrase: looking forward to redemption. It is only through Christ that we find redemption! And he has given himself to us, and lives with us now, by the spirit. Ask God to increase your spiritual vision in this season… and give him your ‘yes’ to His interruptions.
Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)
