And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:38
During the time of the birth of the Lord Jesus, a special class of people existed in Israel. Referred to as the ‘Quiet in the Land’, these folks were patiently and prayerfully waiting for God to send His Saviour to the earth. These folks were unlike the impatient zealots who openly chafed under the yoke of Rome and looked for a glorious king to come to deliver them, or the religious leaders who carried out their functions stubbornly resisting the Roman authorities. The ‘Quiet in the Land’ were not many in number, and they sought no public attention. They knew the promises of God and were content that He would in His time send His just and godly Messiah. Zacharias and Elisabeth were among the ‘Quiet in the Land’. So was Simeon, whose account is given earlier in Luke 2. And so was Anna, who our text describes.
Anna seems to have had much the same appreciation of the coming Messiah as did Simeon. She was a very devout old saint, spending most of her time in the temple. She rejoiced to see the baby Jesus, giving thanks and spreading the word. It is interesting to note that she did not necessarily tell the religious leaders or even the ordinary people who were in the temple. She told those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. She told others who were members of the ‘Quiet in the Land’. And they, like her and Simeon, would be able to rejoice at the fulfilment of God’s promises. The ‘Quiet in the Land’ at that time has a parallel group today. Throughout our world, a tiny percentage of the population is patiently and prayerfully and faithfully watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord. Those who have trusted Christ as Saviour have the assurance of the Holy Spirit that God’s promise of a great deliverance and a great Deliverer will be fulfilled.
Like the ‘Quiet in the Land’, we have no reason today to become involved in public campaigns to rid society of its great evils, regardless of the rampant corruption of mankind all around us. Like the ‘Quiet in the Land’, our part is to remain faithful to the Word of God, and to faithfully tell others about the coming Deliverer, warning them to flee from the wrath to come. Like the ‘Quiet in the land’, we also need to know the Scriptures, so that we will wait for our Redeemer in diligence and obedience, so that we might not be ashamed at His coming.
In every age, including ours, God has His faithful few who are so devoted to Him and so focused on His promises that being ready for the coming of the Lord is our most important consideration. – Jim MacIntosh