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. Since her widowhood, she had faithfully served the Lord, both during the day and night by fasting and praying in the temple. Notice that old age and widowhood never stopped Anna from serving her God. She entered the temple just as Simeon spoke his prophecy about Christ.
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 taken seriously her prophetical words about Christ. He was born for those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem, and that time had surely come––amazing!
What is redemption? In the Old Testament, the word redemption simply means, “a ransoming from imprisonment for debt or slavery.” The the redemptive work of Christ redeems an individual from the debt and slavery 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, which is 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!
