A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke 2:36-38 NASB2020
Anna like Debra of the Old Testament and like the daughters of Philip who were to come had the gift of prophecy. God used this faithful woman of God, and through her gift, was able to worship her Lord and Savior. Anna spoke about who Jesus would become and how His redemption would change the world.
Anna’s faith and worship was rewarded. For 60+ years she waited and served in the temple. Praying that she would see a glimmer of hope for the nation of Israel. Her faith was rewarded and thus she rewards Mary and Joseph and Jesus with her worship through her prophetic gift.
As we have seen over the last two days God rewards our faithfulness in prayer. Anna and Simeon waited patiently and prayed fervently that God would save Israel one more time. For Simeon it was all his life and he was old. For Anna it was as long as she was a widow. 60+ years. They were faithful, they trusted God to be who He was, is and will forever be. They trusted Him to be the Good Good Father! They trusted Him to answer their prayers. It probably was not in their time or in the way in which they thought. But God answered, He always does, and His answers are always better than what we thought they would be. We must trust Him, we must keep being faithful, we must keep worshipping and fighting for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is He alone that can save the ones who are lost.
Lord we thank you for Saving us from death through Christ birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. Thank you Lord! We pray for all our friends and family who are lost without you. Please help them to seek you and to serve you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen…
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!