Coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38
Anna arrives at the temple as Simeon is bearing witness about Jesus to Mary and to Joseph. The Holy Spirit reveals to Anna that this is indeed the One for whom she has been looking and praying.
So Anna begins to give thanks. She lifts her voice in praise and adoration. As she does, there is one word that presses into her mind and her heart, and it becomes her distinctive witness to Jesus.
Elizabeth had proclaimed Jesus as Lord. The shepherds, reporting the words of the angel to Mary, had proclaimed Him as Savior. Simeon knew Jesus was the Christ. Now Anna speaks of Him as the Redeemer.
Redemption is a great Bible word that every Christian should know and be able to explain.
- Redeem: Buying back through the payment of a price.
- Redeemer: One who pays the price.
- Redeemed: Animals, property, or people brought under new ownership by paying a price.
As a devout woman who had walked with God for eighty-four years, Anna would have known well what the Scriptures said about the Redeemer. The price of this great purchase is not revealed until the New Testament, but the entire Old Testament story is about God redeeming His own people.
The great purpose of God is to gather a people from every tribe and nation who will love Him, worship Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. He began with one man, Abraham, and one nation that came from his line. It was through them that the Redeemer came into the world—and through Him, God offers this great redemption to all people.
Take some time to ponder what it means that God has redeemed you.
