Week #41 – Anna

Luke 2:36-38 – There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She 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. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Three short Bible verses are dedicated to the role of Anna.  She is identified as: a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, very old, widowed seven years after her marriage until she was eighty-four.  Her life-style is described as one who was continually worshiping at the temple.  Night and day she could be found there, fasting and praying.  On the very heals of Simeon’s prophetic declaration, Anna comes up and also speaks about the child Jesus in a manner that connected Him with the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Both Anna & Simeon were among those who were looking for the Redeemer of Israel.  No doubt they had evaluated and sorted through numerous other potential candidates for this role, but the Spirit had never confirmed any – until NOW!  The Holy Spirit had just born witness with Simeon’s spirit that this child was the Savior Redeemer of Israel.  Now, the Spirit has confirmed with Anna’s spirit the very same thing.  Both Simeon and Anna demonstrated years of spiritual maturity, purity of heart and integrity of faith.  They were trustworthy witnesses of God’s Spirit to testify that this child was indeed the hope and redemption Israel had been long awaiting.  Upon the testimony of two witnesses shall a matter be established (Matt. 18:16).  Anna and Simeon are two reliable witnesses, anointed by the Spirit of Truth.

The exact manner in which this Redeemer Child was going to accomplish the work of Redemption may have been still hidden from these two saints, but there was no doubt in their minds about His identity.  The manner of redemption became plain to other faithful witnesses a little over 30 years later.  God’s plan intended that Christ Jesus would be the atoning sacrifice for sins that would buy back all repentant believers from the slave master in charge of sinners.  The two downcast disciples on the road to Emmaus had hoped that Jesus was that Redeemer, and they thrilled to discover that He really WAS!  The Apostle Paul records in Colossians 1:13,14 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Again in Ephesians 1:7-10 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment–to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 

This Redemption was no longer just for Israel, as Paul declares in Titus 2:11-14 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

 

Thursday:                                                                                                         

• Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
• Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.         

Friday:                                         

• Praise God for His Spirit who makes known to the world the truth about Jesus!
• Pray for the Good News families of the week: Adam Doud, Joan Doud, Jessica Doud.

Saturday:       

• Praise God for witnesses who live in such purity that they recognize Jesus when they see Him!

Sunday:                                                                      

• Thank God for His plan of REDEMPTION! 

 Monday:                                                                                              

• Praise God for providing the Perfect REDEEMER!
• Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.

 Tuesday:       

• Praise God for His plan of salvation that has appeared to ALL people!

Wednesday:   

• Receive the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf – forgiveness, healing and eternal life!

Prayer Challenge:  Ask God to help you learn to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age.  Pray that He will purify you as one of His very own possessions, eager to do what is good.