"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:36-38

 January 5

"There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem." -Luke 2:36-38 (NRSV)

While we hear little about Anna today, she is an inspiration to all. She was the first evangelist to spread the Good News about Jesus after joining Simeon. Because of her faithfulness, God chose her to proclaim Salvation had finally come. Anna was a respected prophet in Israel who had devoted herself to prayer and fasting for decades. She was from the northern tribe of Asher and a survivor whose family had moved to Jerusalem when most northern tribes were carried into exile or killed by Assyrians centuries before. She lived in the Women's Quarters of the temple and never left it. She had remained faithful for decades. As a widow, she could have become bitter about the loss of her husband but she chose a higher path and is now a hero of the faith. Her perseverance is amazing. Her age of 84 is rare in a time average life spans were around 40. God had preserved her life, truth, and light until her heart's desire was answered and she finally saw the promised Messiah.

Anna was unusually close to God. While prophets predict the future, their main role is to speak for God and proclaim His truth. Although she was very old, Anna never lost hope she would see Christ. In Israel, elders were respected and their words carried great weight. Yet our culture values youth over age. Contributions of elderly are often demeaned. As Christians, we are called to value the elderly and respect their wisdom. If you are young, listen carefully to those of advanced years. Their wisdom is vital! If you are in your golden years, this may be the most important era of your life. God can use you in amazing ways. Your best years still lie ahead when you dedicate them to God as Anna courageously did.

Prayer: God, Thank you for Anna's faithful courage. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Good News is stronger than Bad News.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)