“Now there was
one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not
depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all
those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38 NKJ)
one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She
was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her
virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not
depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all
those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:36-38 NKJ)
Anna the prophetess,
a female preacher, was drawn to the baby in Mary’s arms. Anna was an elderly,
devoted God-worshipper who spent her days in the Temple in fellowship with God.
As she approached Mary and Joseph, she began to praise and thank God for the
blessing of seeing the redemption of God’s people.
a female preacher, was drawn to the baby in Mary’s arms. Anna was an elderly,
devoted God-worshipper who spent her days in the Temple in fellowship with God.
As she approached Mary and Joseph, she began to praise and thank God for the
blessing of seeing the redemption of God’s people.
The Holy Spirit
revealed to her that Mary’s baby was the one of whom the Prophets had wrote. He
was the one that would bring redemption to all people. So she began proclaiming
the good news to everyone in the Temple who would listen to her. Here was an independent
confirmation to Mary and Joseph of the message from the angels. What a boost to
their faith!
revealed to her that Mary’s baby was the one of whom the Prophets had wrote. He
was the one that would bring redemption to all people. So she began proclaiming
the good news to everyone in the Temple who would listen to her. Here was an independent
confirmation to Mary and Joseph of the message from the angels. What a boost to
their faith!
Faith is like
waiting in the airport for our flight. We expect it to be there in time to get
us to our destination. We do all the “faith” actions necessary for a
passenger: buy a ticket, check in at the airport, have our luggage checked, go
through security, and wait patiently at the proper exit gate. Still, it is
always comforting to have the airline personnel confirm our ticket and flight.
waiting in the airport for our flight. We expect it to be there in time to get
us to our destination. We do all the “faith” actions necessary for a
passenger: buy a ticket, check in at the airport, have our luggage checked, go
through security, and wait patiently at the proper exit gate. Still, it is
always comforting to have the airline personnel confirm our ticket and flight.
Those who look for
redemption also act in faith. We respond to God’s invitation, receive his
salvation, and constantly expect that He will keep all his promises. And life
with our Savior and Lord gains a deeper meaning than we’ve known before. And
all around us God provides faith boosters.
redemption also act in faith. We respond to God’s invitation, receive his
salvation, and constantly expect that He will keep all his promises. And life
with our Savior and Lord gains a deeper meaning than we’ve known before. And
all around us God provides faith boosters.
Dear Father, thank
you for the redemption from sin that comes through Christ. Enable us to act in
faith, trusting your redemptive grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the redemption from sin that comes through Christ. Enable us to act in
faith, trusting your redemptive grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Receive redemption
through Christ today,
through Christ today,