Luke 2:36-38
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Did Anna literally live in the Temple, or was it simply that she was always going there to worship – I know people about whom it is said that they are ‘always at church’. They’re not literally always in the building, but their commitment to the church and to its activities is such that this is how they are perceived. Regardless, Anna is clearly a woman of commitment and faith to whom, like Simeon, the Spirit is speaking. Out of her worship, her close relationship with God, comes her desire to communicate what she learns about him, as we see here with her desire to tell others about Jesus having seen him. Did you notice, however, that she tells those that are looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem? She specifically addresses those whom she believes will be open and interested in what she has to say. And how does she know who these people are? The text doesn’t say, but I would imagine her understanding must arise from getting to know them, spending time with them and being observant.
Prayerfully consider the people that you spend time with outside the church. Is there anyone who has indicated that they are open to talking about belief, faith or Jesus? What could you share with them from your relationship with God?
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