Luke 2:36-38
“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” NIV
Let’s back up for a moment, to Luke 2 verse 22. It was time in Jesus’ life, for his parents to take him to Jerusalem and present him to the Lord. This was in accordance with the written law of the Lord. There was a man in Jerusalem, named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. It had been revealed to him, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. The Spirit had moved Simeon to go to the temple courts. When he saw Jesus with his parents, he took the child Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” “The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:29-35 NIV
Enter, Anna the prophetess: She had spent many years in the temple. The Scripture says she never left the temple. She worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. I would assume that she and Simeon spoke many times of the Lord’s Christ, all the while waiting and listening for the Spirit of God to reveal Him. I would love to have seen Anna’s face as she listened to Simeon and heard the words flow from his mouth. This woman, who never left the temple, was faithful for many years in her belief in the Lord’s Christ. She believed fully in the prophecies of Scripture. I’m sure she prayed many times to live to see the King who would reign in righteousness (Isaiah 32:1), a rod out of the stem of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), and the ruler of Israel (Micah 5:2).
This day, was the day for Anna. This was the day she would see Jesus the Christ with her own eyes. What a delightful expression there must have been on this aged woman’s face. The Scripture says that at the very moment that Simeon said to Mary, and a sword will pierce your own soul too, Anna approached them giving thanks to God. And she spoke about the child to ALL WHO WERE LOOKING FORWARD to the redemption of Jerusalem. How marvelous it must have been for Anna to live to see this day. She had waited for many years. She had been intimate with God’s grace for many years. She had been there to behold the child Jesus and to speak of Him to all who were looking for Him and the redemption He would bring. I can see in Anna a gentle patient sweetness, and one who is spiritually serene (clear and free from storms or unpleasantness).
Thoughts to Ponder
Think of your faith in terms of being Faithful For Many Years. Anna seemed to thrive in the temple (the presence of God). She spent her life anticipating what had been foretold. May we spend our lives anticipating what God has promised us. May we thrive in His presence and be Faithful for Many Years.
Questions to Ponder
Do you spend much time anticipating the promises of God? _____________
To thrive, is to grow well, vigorously and healthily; to flourish, bloom and blossom. Do you thrive in the presence of God?
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