Old Age.
The examples of Simeon and Anna combine to set before us a picture of that old age which we must allow to be the most befitting, which we must wish to see realised in our own case an old age free from wordly harass and desires with leisure for higher things; occupied with the care of the soul; calmly waiting for the great change; employed much in religious meditation and prayer; anxious for nothing which the world can give; anxious only to be found of the Lord; ready and prepared when He arrives; walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
I. Such an old age is not, we fear, very commonly seen. For the most part, as men grow in years, they grow more worldly; and instead of putting off the cares, and pleasures, and occupations of youth and middle life, they cleave to these with an unwise tenacity. We seldom see any who, like Barzillai, or Simeon, or Anna, have detached themselves from all unnecessary business, in order to walk the closer with God; who have set their affections not upon things on the earth, but upon things above.
II. St. Paul tells us, in a few words, the qualities which ought to adorn old age sobriety, gravity, temperance, wisdom. The old should be known among us for these things. They should be examples and guides to youth in the ways and works of godliness. To them we should look for counsel, for advice, for help, in the practice of a Christian life. Above all, they should be examples of piety, of reverent respect for all God's holy ordinances. It is recorded of Simeon and of Anna, that in their old age they were diligent in their attendance upon God's worship. The place where they were to be found was the Temple. The service which most occupied them was the service of God. And so, surely, ought it to be with the old amongst ourselves. No place so well befits them as the sanctuary. If any, they most of all should be able to say, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth."
R. D. B. Rawnsley, Village Sermons,4th series, p. 107.