"A Worshiping Woman"

 

“A Worshiping Woman”

 

Simeon (see the previous article) wasn’t the only godly senior citizen in the temple when Jesus, Mary and Joseph came for Mary’s purification in keeping with God’s instructions (Leviticus 12:1-4). Anna, an elderly widow and prophetess, was also present. But unlike Simeon who “…went into the temple….” (Luke 2:27), “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:37). One commentator suggests she had a room there and as a widow was cared for by the Levites in accordance with God’s Law (Deuteronomy 26:12). She’s further identified as “…of the tribe of Asher….” (Luke 2:36), one of the ten tribes which made up the northern kingdom, usually called Israel. They were assimilated by their Assyrian captors after 722 BC and became known as Samaritans. The fact that Anna was always in the temple indicates that her ancestral family remained true to God.

While what she said isn’t quoted it’s clear that she had the same hope as did Simeon. She may have heard Simeon’s words and affirmed that Jesus was the Jews’ Promised Messiah but because she’s called a prophetess it’s more likely that God had spoken to her and now was speaking through her. Her name is the Greek form of Hannah in Hebrew, which means favored. And she certainly was as she told those present that their Deliverer had come.

What are some takeaways from this little known, godly and faithful woman?

*God uses people of advanced age as messengers and servants of His truth (“Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”—Exodus 7:7).

*God gave dignity to women in a culture that put them down and He still honors their service today (“The Twelve were with {Jesus}, and also some women…were helping to support them out of their own means.”—Luke 8:1-3; “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”—Galatians 3:28).

*We can worship and pray at any time (“…The twelve tribes of Israel worship God night and day….”—Acts 26:7, NLT; “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”—Psalm 55:17, NKJV).

Anna’s thoughts and actions were centered around worship, prayer and faith in God’s promise. Who (or what) is at the center of your and my life and attention?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan