Listen

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

Think

Who are the oldest people in your life? Do you have grandparents who are still alive? Elderly neighbors? Retired folks close to your family? The Bible contains many stories of older people who never run out of steam when it comes to being vital and vibrant instruments of God. Simeon is one example. Anna is another. She’s eighty-four years old and an active prophet who speaks the truth of God to God’s people. She worships, fasts, prays, and preaches. What a spiritual powerhouse! Look around for the people in your neighborhood and church who have lived a long while and seem to have something sparkling about them when it comes to their faith. Spend time with them and watch their life. Listen to what they have to say. They’ve gained wisdom from their faith journey. You can learn so much from their words, actions, and experiences.

Cari Pattison

Question to ponder:

Is there someone older who you admire and would like to become more like? Who and why?

Pray

God, thank you for the people who have walked ahead of me on the journey of faith.

Help me to learn from their stories and examples.

Help me to listen for how you’re speaking through them.

Amen.

Go

Today, pay attention to the little signs of Christ’s saving work in your life.