TUESDAY 27 December, 2016

Those Who Look for Redemption

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age… 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

Anna was only married seven years before she was widowed. Since her widowhood, she faithfully served the Lord by fasting and praying in the temple, both during the day and night. Notice that old age and widowhood never stopped Anna from serving her God. As Simeon, in the temple spoke his prophecy about Christ, then Anna, a prophetess entered.

Even though Anna was elderly she remained spiritually alert. Like Simeon, she also recognized the Child and acknowledged Him as the Messiah. In that very instant she gave thanks to God and spoke prophetically about Him. Anna must have been well known among the people, they would have regarded her prophetical words about Christ. Christ was born and for those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem, that time had surely come––amazing!

What is redemption? In the Old Testament, the word simply means, a ransoming from imprisonment for debt or slavery. But the redemptive work of Christ redeems an individual from the penalty of sin. What is the penalty for our sin? Romans 6:23 tells us: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Seriously, knowing the just penalty and the payment due for your sins–– death, what should be your main concern in view of eternity? Are you one among the many who are looking for your needed redemption?

…but with His [Jesus’] own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
~Hebrews 9:12~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!