| And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him at all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38) |
Anna was a devout woman. She is described in the Book of Luke as a prophetess who lived at the temple and prayed and fasted night and day. She was married to her husband for seven years but was now a widow. She is one of only five women referred to in the Bible as prophetesses. That designation may not mean that she received words from God or foretold the future. It could mean she was a woman who spoke the word of God. She may have taught women who came to the temple about God’s message for their life and salvation. She was a believer in the message and lessons of the Old Testament. She believed the promised Messiah would come. Her devotion to her beliefs and her faith in Old Testament teaching led her to fast and pray continually never leaving the temple. Being a widow meant she had little other than her faith. She may have been left chiefly to her own devices for her livelihood. Her decision to live at the temple and devote her life and time to prayer and fasting was an indication of her devotion to God.
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to God as was the custom of that day. Simeon, a righteous man, was moved by the Holy Spirit to go to the temple. When he saw the baby Jesus, he proclaimed Him ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel’ (Luke 2:23). Anna, passing by, saw the baby and heard Simeon’s blessing. Instantly, she too realized Jesus was the Messiah. Her prayers and fasting caused her to be in the presence of the Messiah. She went forth and proclaimed Jesus to all who were looking forward to the coming of the Christ. God had blessed her to be one of the first to proclaim Christ.
Biblical Principles:
- In spite of her poverty, Anna dedicated her life to God. (Luke 2:37)
- She spent her days and nights praying and fasting in the temple. (Luke 2:37)
- Anna realized the baby Jesus was the promised Messiah. (Luke 2:38)
For Women Today
Although Anna never speaks in the gospel, she is a powerful figure because of her faith. What do we learn from Anna? She was a widow of meager means, but her faith in God sustained her. God can use us for the fulfillment of His kingdom regardless of our marital state. We do not have to be married to serve the Lord. In our singleness, we can be filled with the God’s spirit and serve Him. There is considerable pressure in our society to be married. Many women seek the love and companionship marriage can bring. Anna’s desire was that the Messiah would come, and because of her faith and dedication to God, she recognized Jesus. A single woman who serves God enhances her opportunity to be matched with the mate God chooses for her. It is in service and closeness to God that we realize what it is God wants for us in a mate. We all have our seasons of singleness. Regardless of our marital status, it is through our belief in Jesus that we achieve salvation. (Romans 10:10)
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all thing will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)