Who is this exceptional woman holding the baby Jesus in the temple we read about?
Her name is Anna, a prophetess who spoke God’s Word, prayed, and fasted as service to the Lord.
Her ministry was hidden from the public most of her life, but certainly not hidden from her God.
So, what do we know about her? She was the “Daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher.” Luke 2: 36
For the record, Penuel means face of God. This name speaks well of her family roots, who sought after the face of God. The tribe of Asher settled in the western region of Galilee and made their way to Jerusalem. There in Jerusalem, the temple rests. It’s the place where they went to worship and serve their God.
Now it has become the place where Anna did see the face of God in the baby Jesus.
All the years of seeking His face in prayer, she now held Him in her arms.
As a Jesus follower, God ordains our place in the earth and our place in His Kingdom.
Let’s remember, Mary had just, “Wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2: 7
Today, we realize the place that He desires to settle is in our hearts. That’s the place where He longs to be forever. To give us a place in His kingdom.
Can we say that Jesus understands any displacement we encounter?
At this point in the story, “She (Anna) was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” Luke 2: 36-37
What a beautiful ministry! This young lady was only married seven years, then became a widow. I can’t help thinking that seven is the number that means completion. Her life as a young bride was completed, but her life as the Bride of Christ would continue causing her to see her Messiah, the one she prayed and fasted for all the final years of her life.
She got to hold and behold Him and look into His face and into His eyes.
The day that she held Jesus in her arms was the day he was to be presented to the Lord. “As it is written in Jewish law, every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord.” Luke 2: 23
Anna “Coming up to them (Mary and Joseph) and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” Luke 2: 38
She was old, and she was bold! She was speaking to all who would listen, especially to all who had longed for His appearing.
Anna didn’t hesitate to come up to Jesus as she was watching old Simeon proclaim praises to God as he declared, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” Luke 2: 30 He, too, was privileged to see the Savior of the world before he passed from this earth.
It amazes me that God honored these two prophetic servants to not only foresee but also prophecy and tell others of the birth of the Messiah.
Then we have these exceptional women, Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, who brought forth what David proclaimed, “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.” Psalm 68: 11
Then the women stepped aside quietly, making room for the One who truly matters.
“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2 40
Our voice, life, and service to God matters. You matter! Jesus was born for each of us. O come let us adore Him.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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