Luke 2:36-39
Suggested further reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:6
We know little about Anna but what we do know is worthy of imitation. She was a godly woman. After being married for only seven years, she became and remained a widow for eighty-four years. You can imagine the difficulties that must have created for her. But Anna, by God’s grace, overcame them all and became the woman Paul describes in 1 Timothy 5:5.
Anna loved God’s house for it was the place where God especially dwelt. To be near to God was the desire of her heart, and she never felt so near as when near the holy of holies. David’s words in Psalm 84:2 described her attitude.
Anna practiced great self-denial. She also fasted continually, no doubt to increase the intensity of her prayers and to help her focus her mind in intercession.
Anna was a woman of much prayer. She was continually talking to God, as her best Friend, about the things that concerned her own life. She also never wearied of pleading with God on behalf of others, and, above all, for the fulfillment of His promises to send the Messiah.
Anna kept in fellowship with other believers. As soon as she had seen the infant Jesus, she spoke of Him to others in Jerusalem who cherished the hope of the redemption of Israel. She rejoiced when faith became sight, for she believed that this coming Redeemer would bring the nation to holiness and righteousness.
Anna received a rich reward for her faithful diligence in God’s service. She was allowed to see the Promised One for whom she had prayed for years. If we, like her, persevere, our faith will become sight and our hope becomes a fulfillment.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
