Open lines.

She … spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)

Have you ever looked around in church and noted the many different age groups present, all worshiping together? Well, the ability of the Church to reach young and old alike originates long before our time. In fact, today’s readings show us that from the very beginning, Jesus has been calling generations together, asking them to minister to each other.

Here is Anna at age eighty-four, well past the average life expectancy for her time but still active and alert. She sees Mary and Joseph enter the Temple courts with their baby, and all of a sudden, three generations intersect. How did she know that Jesus was the Messiah? Her heart was tuned into God’s heart. She “worshiped night and day” in the Temple (Luke 2:37). And so she was able to look Mary and Joseph in the eye and proclaim the purpose for which this little child was born.

Because Anna’s whole life has been dedicated to worship, her spirit was open to the Lord and his revelation. She kept the lines of communication open, and that’s what enabled her to offer words of encouragement and prophecy to Mary and Joseph and to the people around her.

How are you doing in the area of praise and worship? You don’t have to spend your whole life in church, mind you. But you should try to make worship a key part of your daily prayer. As you focus your heart on the Lord and his goodness and redemption, you’ll begin to experience a new joy. You’ll find yourself more open to God’s word and more ready to trust his plan.

Recall all the good that the Lord has done in the world and in your own life. Thank and praise him for his love and faithfulness. Picture him on his throne, surrounded by all the angels and saints. Lift up your heart to the Lord, and you’ll find your whole perspective changing. Like Anna, you’ll become a prophetic presence to the people around you. You’ll find just the right words to say to them, no matter what their age or background. All because you have become a worshipper of the Lord!

“Lord, teach me to proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”

taken from wau.org