Unto Us a Son is Given
Whilst Simeon is prophesying over the Holy child Anna, a prophetess, bursts in on the scene.
She praises God for revealing Christ the Redeemer to her.
Mary & Joseph must have been left wondering what on earth was going on & who exactly is this child.
The Lord’s return to his temple moving His servants the prophets to action (Amos 3:7).
The destiny of the Child being revealed by the 2 prophets.
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple,
but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38
Phanuel means Face of God & Asher means blessed.
We are blessed when we encounter & experience the face of God.
Shadows of the Aaronic blessing in these two names (Numbers 6:24-26).
Anna had devoted her whole life to prayer, fasting & praise after losing her husband at an early age.
She was ever in the temple & may well have lived as a widow in one of the rooms surrounding the temple precinct.
Like Simeon she had been earnestly seeking the Messianic Kingdom.
Here she finds the Messiah (Anointed King) who will usher in that kingdom.
She too would not depart this life without meeting her Redeemer.
Anna bursts forth into praise on encountering the Christ.
Her thankful heart giving the glory unto the Lord.
Anna is enraptured through meeting Christ her Redeemer.
She also enthusiastically tells everyone that she has found the Messiah – the Redeemer of Israel.
For those who were looking for redemption she is proclaiming the Redeemer.
Anna instinctively exhibits what we are to be as disciples of Christ.
Worshipers & Witnesses. Praising God & proclaiming Christ.
Our lives characterised by singing the Lord’s praises & speaking about His Christ.
May it ever be so.
For Reflection
- In what ways am I blessed by the Lord?
- Are we seeking first the Kingdom of God?
- Are we equally passionate about both worshipping & witnessing?
- Mediate upon a life wholly devoted unto the Lord.
A song related to this theme:
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the great gift of Christ our Redeemer.
Help & strengthen us to go deeper in our devotion to You.
Through the power & presence of Your indwelling Spirit,
May we be passionate worshipers & witnesses of your great love, light & life.
In Jesus mighty name,
Amen.
