“For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” (Romans 11:29 NLT)
Simeon:
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just 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. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. 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 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.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:25-35 NKJV)
Anna:
“Now 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 a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38 NKJV)
“But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 BSB)
In Luke Chapter Two I found two New Testament examples of the Lord’s provision for long life. Both of these individuals lived lives of dedication and service to the Lord. Simeon, according to early writings, lived at least 120 years. There are early writings in the Eastern Orthodox Church that claim he lived over 200 years. In either case, we see here a man of great age who was physically, and mentally, sharp enough to go to the temple and bless Jesus. Even more significant is that this is another example of the activation of youth found in the assignment. Simeon’s life was prolonged until he was able to fulfill the Word of the Lord that he had received.
Anna spent at least 84 years serving in the temple after her husband died. When you add up the years identified in this passage she was approximately 104 years old. There is no evidence that she was feeble in any way. It seems obvious to me that she was supplied with what she needed to accomplish the assignment that she had been given.
The Word promises renewed youth. I am claiming that promise in order to live according to…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 154: “I am replacing Retirement with Refirement!” Part 4: Simeon and Anna