Simeon (to hear) and Anna (favored)

Luke 2:22-38

Meditating on these verses can bring a lot of spiritual insight. The name Simeon in Hebrew means “he who has heard, or he who listens (to the words of God).” The name Anna in Hebrew means “God has favored me.”

Both Simeon and Anna are only mentioned in these verses in the bible. It can’t be proven Simeon was a priest, but that he simply was a just and devout man with deep revelation of the Holy Spirit. We know Anna had no priestly lineage being from tribe of Aser, but we do know she carried same desire as King David in Psalm 27:4 by not departing from the temple of God. She served God day and night with prayer and fasting.

Let it be highlighted neither of these two can be proven to be priests of the religious system of the day, but they both had a revelation from the Holy Spirit of their Christ long before anyone else. Before the miracles, power, wisdom and manifestation of the Father through their Messiah they SAW Him! Here comes a baby born out of wedlock to be dedicated in the temple. (Side note: even if Joseph and Mary told their community about immaculate conception, you think the Jews believed that?)

It’s a day in the life in the religious system, all is going on as before and many probably praying in that very moment for the arrival of their Messiah. He is right in their temple as a baby and only Simeon + Anna have the proper revelation, vision, and hearing.

Let us draw near to God. Let us surrender all our spiritual pride and be found worthy to see His arrival. He will often come to His temple how we least expect. Maybe as a baby and later riding on a donkey meek and lowly? When He does come, let us be like Simeon who hears and sees. Let us be like Anna who has found favor with God. Let us not for a second think our position as God’s priests is what allows us to see Him as He is, but rather revelation from His Holy Spirit alone.