Expectant Worship

Luke 2:25-38 (NLT)

The Prophecy of Simeon

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

The Prophecy of Anna

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.[a] She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Our Morning Glories Bible Study study of Acts has begun. I was thinking about how in Acts 1, the disciples of Jesus faithfully gathered for worship at the temple having been instructed not to leave the city until the promised Holy Spirit had come. They worshiped and waited.  Then, I was reminded of how Anna and Simeon waited at the temple 33 or so years before for the promised Messiah to come and He did. Likely swaddled in some kind of blanket and cradled in Mary's arms, the 6 week old baby Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord. Anna and Simeon were expectant as were the disciples 3 decades later. I wonder if I am expectant when I gather with others to worship. Are my motives pure or am I there to appease or please? Do I plan on encountering Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit have HIS way with me? Do I come planning to be called or sent out? Do I come with open ears to hear and eyes to see? What is my focus when I stand and sing His praises? Others look on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.
Father, today find me focused on YOU above all else. May all my motives and my worship be pure. With all my heart, I pray I will encounter YOU.