Life in Service – Part 1
Luke 2:37 (NKJV)
“and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple…” Luke 2:37 (NKJV)
The account of Anna, the prophetess, took place during the early days of Jesus’s life. As it was written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord (Luke 2:23, Exodus 13:2). Stemming from this law, Joseph and Mary took their eight-day-old baby Jesus to the temple to offer sacrifice. They took two turtle doves for His circumcision and Mary’s purification. Upon entering the temple, they were greeted by Simeon and Anna, who were led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:27). Simeon took Jesus up in his arms, blessed God, and declared Salvation had arrived for the Gentiles. After this, Anna was introduced.
When I think of Anna, I think of many of the saintly women in my life who have devoted themselves to the work of the church. I am sure you know of women in the church who simply glow in grace and humility.
Anna was described in three short verses. She is described as a woman who fasted often and was “of a great age.” Thus, she could have been termed an elder in the community (Luke 2:36-38). She was still physically fit to be able to move easily around the temple. Her designation as a prophetess indicated her spiritual awareness, and the community seemed to have valued her giftings and recognised her authority. Significantly, Anna was the only named female prophetess in the New Testament, suggesting she was a woman of incredible faith.
Another vital description of her is that she was named as being the daughter of Phanuel and of the tribe of Asher. Her father’s name and her tribe were given by the writer (Dr Luke). We should note that she was one of the few New Testament characters who had a tribal listing, including Jesus, of the house and lineage of David and the tribe of Judah (Luke 2:4; Matthew 1:1-21); Saul of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5); and Barnabas, a Levite (Acts 4:36).
Believers, Anna’s life was one of dedicated service to the Lord, as indicated in three short verses. Verse 38 says she spoke of redemption to all who would look to Jesus. In her considerate time on earth, she never wavered from the teachings of God; thus, she is a true example of a life dedicated to service in the Kingdom of God.
Read: Psalm 100:2; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 73:15-28; Acts 9:1-31; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23:1-7
