Cloud of Witnesses

After we meet Simeon, we meet Anna. Luke is very matter-of-fact in how he describes her—“She was advanced in years.” In other words, she was old. Not only was she old, but she was also an old widow. She had only been married for seven years, and then for 84 years she remained essentially alone.

Yet the disappointments in her life in no way deterred her from worshiping God. She remained faithful, worshiping day and night in the temple. She not only worshiped, but she also fasted and prayed. Anna was a dear saint.

In the book of Hebrews, the author describes the great “cloud of witnesses” that God has provided for us. We read of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the prophets, and so many more (Hebrews 11:1-12:2). In the same way, we could add Simeon and Anna to that list of people who by faith lived every day to serve the Lord and wait for His salvation.

In our own lives, we can also list people who are in that great cloud of witnesses. Perhaps a few come to mind especially during the Christmas season. Memories can arise of parents or grandparents, aunt or uncles, cousins or siblings, all of those in your family who point you to the reality of Jesus. Maybe the memories stem from those of the family of faith who over the years taught you the Bible, modeled for you the Jesus way, and encouraged you when you strayed from the path. These saints are precious in our lives because they are the ones whom God uses to spur us on in our journey.

As you reflect on the story of Anna, spend time thinking about these individuals in your life. Be sure to thank God for their witness, and if they are still on this side of glory, be sure to take a moment and write them a note and tell them how appreciative you are that they are in your life.

Prayer

Father, thank You that You provide for us encouragement through the lives of others. Thank You for the witnesses we read in scripture who by faith held on to Your promises and the hope that was to come, and thank You for those individuals who have personally touched my life by showing me Jesus.

Help me to show honor to these saints. Help me to live my life in a way that demonstrates that I have learned from their witness and serve as a witness to others.

Amen.