SATURDAY December 29, 2018
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, a prophetess, was only married seven years before she was widowed. She remained a widow for about eighty-four years. Notice that old age and widowhood never stopped Anna from serving her God. She faithfully served the Lord by fasting and praying in the temple day and night.
Even though Anna was elderly, she remained spiritually alert. As Simeon spoke a prophecy about Christ, Anna entered the temple. Like Simeon, she also recognized the Child Jesus as the Messiah. In that very instant, Anna acknowledged Him and gave thanks to God as she spoke prophetically about Jesus. Anna was well known among the people, and they would have listened to her and paid close attention to what she spoke about Christ. For those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, had come––amazing!
What is redemption? In the Old Testament, the word simply means, “The action of paying ransom for something, or regaining possession by clearing a debt.” The redemptive work of Christ redeems us from the penalty of sin. What is the penalty for our sin? …the wages of sin is death… Yet what redemptive benefit do we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior? …the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Are you among those who are looking for 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!