I was caught this morning by something quite beautiful in the Greek word for "waiting." It is prosechomenos (4327) and if I may take the liberty to give you my summary of its many words used to describe it.
Waiting is a hospitality. Yes hospitality. A spirit of welcome while living in acceptance and endurance.
I have really come to love the words welcome and hospitality because they truly describe God's heart for all people.
So, this morning as I studied my next story in the widow series (Luke 2:221-40), I was so excited to catch this principle as a life principle.
Most will quickly passover the story of Simeon and Anna in the temple because it is about old people and might think, "What can I learn from them?"
Before I say anything about widows, we need to know that we do not know if Simeon is a widower, but most assume he is because of the narrative cues in being paired with Anna and the similarities of their context. Either way, I would like to propose their life model is good for all of us not just widows. So look and listen.
Simeon was waiting for the promised Messiah. He had a spirit of welcome with a hospitality of acceptance and endurance that included listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying His holy nudges when it came to seeing and even holding onto the Messiah, Jesus. His willingness "to wait" gave him opportunity to "be" with the Savior of the world, our Comforter, our Prince of Peace and to know the delight of cuddling Him to his chest as he declared scripture over Him.
Simeon's listening to the Holy Spirit and obedience to His nudging moved him into the presence of the Light of the world.
While Anna's spirit of hospitality in waiting with acceptance and endurance allowed her to see Jesus and know what it is like to be in His precious presence. She was so profoundly impacted by this moment of presence with the Prince of Peace that SHE BECAME A WITNESS TO ALL who were waiting with a spirit of welcome and endurance.
I do hope that you catch the truth that SHE is a FEMALE WITNESSING to ALL who wait.
We must remember that our waiting should be bathed in a spirit of welcome and hospitality. This is filled with acceptance and endurance for His presence. There are no rules here for male or female. Just wait with a spirit of welcome that is full of hospitality that lives in acceptance and endurance. Then be a faithful witness declaring what you have been in His presence and seen Him for yourself.
I am learning so much as I study the widow stories. The principles are universal. If I abide in listening and obeying the Holy Spirit, He will guide me to Jesus and I will know peace. This I must share so all can wait with acceptance and endurance for His return.
Both Simeon and Anna were waiting and looking for the Presence of our Salvation in our Great Comforter. That is a principle I need to live by and testify about every single day.
As for my widow(er) friends, how does this story give you hope?
What does it show you to do as you process your grief?
What in it makes your struggle?
How might this story help you with your struggle?
