From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Luk 2:25, 36 KJV - 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ... 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Throughout the history of humanity, one point remains undeniably true: God takes ordinary people and performs extraordinary things in them, through them, and with them. This truth has been witnessed countless times throughout the ages and is a testament to the power and presence of the sovereignty of God. When Mary and Joesph visited the temple for purification after the birth of Jesus, God used two ordinary individuals to meet them at the temple.
In Them: God often chooses individuals who are not particularly famous, wealthy, or influential. Yet, within these seemingly ordinary individuals, He instills extraordinary qualities. The Scripture states that Simeon is a just and devout person waiting for Israel's consolation. In other words, Simeon's destination was to remain alive, committed, and righteous enough to witness the person who would deliver Israel.
Through Them: God is not limited to working solely within the individual; He also works through them to accomplish extraordinary deeds. These individuals become vessels through which God's plans are carried out. Anna's age exceeds 100 years when the couple brought Jesus, the firstborn, to the temple for cleansing. This ordinary-aged woman timed her entrance into the temple in sync when Simeon met the couple. Simeon and Anna served as conduits for God's divine will of reinforcing the importance of Jesus to Mary and Joseph.
With Them: God is not limited to working solely through individuals; He also works with them to accomplish extraordinary deeds. Simeon and Anna became allies in God's grand plans. They united their faith and purpose to achieve something extraordinary with God in the Temple when Jesus was only 40 days old.
Finally, the constant theme throughout history is that God takes ordinary people and turns them into extraordinary instruments for His glory. The roles of Simeon and Anna are potent reminders that no person is insignificant in the eyes of God and that He can use you to unfold His divine plan. Are you the next Simeon or Anna for the next great event to unfold - the Second Advent of Jesus Returns?
God takes ordinary people and performs extraordinary things in them, through them, and with them.