Word for the day by Christian Education O

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Senior Citizens: Models of God’s Righteousness

Bible Reading:    St. Luke 2:25-38 

Key verse:  "Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him." (Luke 2:25)

DEVOTION

Luke 2:25-38 describes the encounter of Simeon and Anna with the infant Jesus in the temple. Simeon, a righteous and devout man led by the Holy Spirit, had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon recognized him as God’s salvation—a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. At the same time, the prophetess Anna, a devoted widow who worshiped continually in the temple, also recognized Jesus and praised God, speaking to all who awaited Jerusalem’s redemption about the child.
Simeon shows wisdom by recognizing God’s Messiah when others saw only a poor couple with a baby, because his heart and mind were shaped by the Spirit. His courage shines as he speaks that Jesus will divide people and that Mary will face pain. His long years of waiting reveal deep resilience, trusting God’s promise even when the fulfillment seemed delayed. Anna embodies lifelong faith, spending decades in worship, fasting, and prayer, showing that devotion does not weaken with age but can grow stronger. Together, their lives teach us that the elderly are not set aside in God’s plan. They carry wisdom born of experience, courage to speak truth, resilience to endure hardship, and faith with which to inspire and guide the next generation.
As an elder, we may come to the winter of our lives thinking that our work is done and that we only have eternity to look forward to. But Simeon and Anna remind us that age does not limit our usefulness to God. Simeon waited faithfully for years, trusting God’s promise that he would see the Messiah. Anna spent her life in prayer and worship, showing that devotion grows stronger with time. No matter our age, God can use us to point others to Christ and encourage those who are still waiting for His promises to be fulfilled. Our usefulness to God is worked out on His terms and His time. Having matured in our faith through years of faith and obedience, do we actively look for opportunities to proclaim the good news or do we think that is someone else’s responsibility now? Someone who has more energy and strength than us? Let us be reassured through Simeon and Anna to not let our age make us passive; instead, let our age give us wisdom, patience, and deep trust in God’s promises. Anna and Simeon recognized Jesus when others did not, showing spiritual clarity that comes from a lifetime of walking with God. Similarly, let our words and actions convey the conviction of our faith. Let us not ignore the honour of age bestowed upon us by the good Lord. Let us not be distracted by irrelevant and trivial earthly matters but instead use the opportunities God gives us to step up for kingdom purposes.
To a younger person, this passage shows the elderly as active heralds of God’s kingdom. By their words and actions, they reveal that older believers can be powerful witnesses of faith, courage, and devotion, modelling what it means to live in righteousness and to point others toward God’s salvation.  Even though Simeon and Anna were very old, they never stopped hoping to see the Messiah. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they were among the first to recognize Jesus. In Jewish culture, older people were honoured, so their words were taken seriously. Today, our society often values youth more and overlooks the elderly. As Christians, we should respect and encourage older people, listen to their wisdom, befriend them, and help them find ways to keep serving God. 
 

PRAYER

Father God, we thank You for Simeon and Anna’s faith. Grant us hope, courage, and perseverance to trust Your promises. Help us honor and learn from our elders, encouraging them with friendship and joy. May their voices inspire future generations to walk faithfully with You. Amen


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Even to your old age and grey hairs, I am HE, I am HE that will sustain you." Isaiah 46.4

 

Bindhu Mary George

Melbourne Mar Thoma Church, Australia

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