That Prophetess Tag.

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess..." (Luke 2:36)

Reverend J.K. Warrick spoke briefly about Simeon and Anna during his sermon this past Sunday. These two older adults gave prophetic words to Mary and Joseph while they were in the temple.

I wonder what sort of response Simeon and Anna would receive from us if the scene in Luke 2:25-39 were to occur in today's context. Would we hear them, or would we dismiss them as old people who are at best daydreaming, or at worst demented?

The Scripture tells us one response of Joseph and Mary: "And Joseph and Jesus's mother marvelled at those things which were spoken" (see Luke 2:33). The word "marvelled" could be interpreted to mean amazed, astonished, or full of wonder.

But "marvelled" carries no hint of unbelief or scoffing, and we would do well to take note of that point. When we receive a prophetic word from someone who is speaking through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that the word, even if it's astonishing or amazing, is in fact accurate.

LORD, thank You that we can count on Your word. Thank You for the men and women You have granted the spirit of prophecy. Give us grace to see what You see and say what You say, so that Your community can be built up and strengthened. In Jesus's name, Amen.