A. INTRODUCTION
“Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38, NLT).
1. Joseph and Mary brought the Baby Jesus into the Temple to sacrifice a lamb (Leviticus 12:2-8). Both Simeon and Anna seem led there independently by the Spirit of God.
2. Anna was a prophetess (only female named in office). Her father’s name was Phanuel, but her husband was from the tribe of Asher, i.e., smallest.
3. Anna a prophetess immediately begins “prophesying” i.e., “She talked about the child to everyone …” (Luke 2:38, NLT).
4. A prophet/prophetess received insight not available to others. “Everyone who had been watching expectantly for God to rescue Israel” (Luke 2:38).
5. “She was very old” (v. 36). Her widowhood was 84 years or if she was married when she was approximately at age 16 (usual age), then she was over 100 years old.
6. She is old, yet active, perceptive, mobile, alert, savvy, unselfishness, and invigorating. “As your days, so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
7. Why does Anna recognize Jesus? “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
8. Anna’s lifestyle:
a. Never leaves the Temple.
b. Worshiped day and night.
c. Workaholic, prayer and fasting.
d. Quickly obedient to God.
9. Does Anna know fasting brings results? Is her encounter a result?
10. Anna’s hearing is intact, her eyesight is good, her mind is sharp, and she knows the spiritual community was looking for the Messiah.
11. She is a model to every women today, She moves through the Temple with ease, seeking to do good to all, full of hope, well-adjusted to the times, and useful to the Lord. She is an example of Paul’s discipling (1Timothy 5:5).
B. PRACTICAL TAKE WAYS
1. When a woman becomes a widow, she can give her primary focus to the Lord.
2. We should all be willing to serve anytime, anyplace, any way we can.
3. Whatever your spiritual gift, let it guide you in ministry, and focus on ministering were you can best minister, with the best results.
4. There will always be someone with the spiritual gift of prophecy, so look for it, honor it, and let them do their ministry.
5. When it comes to spiritual gifts usually one or two gifts are dominant in a person, so look for the gift of prophecy in others.
6. When you see the spiritual gift of prophecy in another person, know that person and encourage them in ministry.
7. There are many spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 11:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-13). So you probably have the gift of prophesy, so use whatever gift God has given you, as best as you can, as often as you can.
8. If you have a dominate spiritual gift of prophecy, use it carefully as much as you can, but be aware of other spiritual gifts, and make allowances for them in your ministry.
9. There are many spiritual gifts in the people of your group/church, so learn to recognize their gifts, give opportunity for them to minister and support their ministry so they will support you.
10. No one manifests all spiritual gifts, so watch for the different gifts in different people and honor what gifts each manifest. Some will have stronger manifestation then other, while some will not manifest all gifts, but only a few. Be respectful of all people and all gifts.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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