ANNA
MEETS JESUS!
Luke
2:36-38
36
And
there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of
Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from
her virginity;
37
And
she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the
temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38
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.
When
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for circumcision, they were met
by Simeon and Anna. We don’t know just how old Anna was but she married and
lived with her husband for seven years before he died. As a widow, she had
spent most of her time in and around the temple for eighty four years. Guessing
that she might have been seventeen when married then adding seven years of
marriage plus eighty four years as a widow, Anna could have been as much as 108
years old. All we are told is that she was of great age.
Anna
was spiritually sensitive! Luke calls her a prophetess but most likely not of
the fortune telling kind. We should think of her as a prophetess after the
model in First Corinthians 14:3 “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto
men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” So we find this holy
widow proclaiming Jesus to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
What
a wonderful model for widows! She was active in the church,
acquainted with the scriptures, and old enough to have wisdom to share. Don’t
think that your life is finished because you are older. Hopefully, you will be
able to minister in building people up, encouragement, and comfort.
Dear
Lord, as I age, let me hang around church helping when I can and please gift me
with the ability to give courage and comfort. AMEN
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