The story of Anna is contained in just three small verses of Scripture, but contained in this brief account of her life are several significant principles to guide us in becoming a more effective messenger for Christ.
Luke 2:36 states that anna was a prophetess, she fasted and prayed, and she never left the temple. The KJV contains an additional phrase, "she lived with her husband seven years from her virginity." All these references reveal that Anna lived a separated or holy life. When God chose someone to offer a witness for His Son, He chose someone who practiced purity.
Anna's purity serves as a beautiful picture that an effective witness flows from a holy life. Many Christians are weak and ineffective because their lives are filled with ungodliness. These weak witnesses live with shame knowing their hypocrisy limits their credibility in speaking for the cause of Christ, so these worldly believers remain silent. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy instructing him, "If a man cleanses himself he will be a vessel of honor, made holy, useful to the master and prepared for every good work." (2 Tim 2:12).
The biographical account of Anna reveals that she was a prayer warrior who prayed night and day. When God chose a handful of believers who testified at His Son's birth, God chose someone who prayed. Through prayer she gained an insight that many failed to grasp. I am sure she was familiar with the prophecy of Jeremiah who declared for God, "Call upon me, and I will show great and mighty things that you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). Anna saw mighty things of God that others missed.
Look back at Anna's story. The Scripture says she spoke to all who were looking for redemption (v. 38). I can not prove it from the text, but I am convinced that she told people for whom she had been praying. Who are you praying for? If you can not name someone, then pray for God to lead you to a lost soul that you can bring into the presence of Christ through prayer.
We need to pray consistently, but we must also be ready to take the next step of proclaiming boldly. The text says "she went up to them," and she spoke to others who were looking for redemption. These verses reveal a holy boldness to initiate the conversation. Anna recognized what an awesome privilege she had been given to testify of the Messiah. Some people thought she was just a crazy old lady, but Anna was more concerned about the Messiah than what the multitudes thought.
Boldness is not about doing crazy off the wall, life-threatening adventures. Holy boldness like Anna's is stepping out of a comfort zone, by faith, to share the great news of eternal life with those who need it and are ready to receive it. Boldness prevents you from becoming negative or defeated when everyone does not respond. Most did not believe Jesus even after they saw Him perform miracles; and most will not believe you. Through holy boldness, we keep sharing because we refuse to be intimidated by darkness, ridicule, or a calloused heart of a lost soul.
What Should I Know/Do?
You cannot read this story without noticing the emphasis on Anna's age. Some translations say she was a widow for 84 years after 7 years of marriage. If she was 14 when she married, she would have been 105 years old. Other translations like the NIV indicate she was 84, but the point is the text says she was "very old." She had longed for this day for many years, and God granted her the desire of her heart. Widowhood would have been extremely difficult in the first century. Remember the Apostle Paul's instruction to encourage young widows to remarry. The first deacons of the church were chosen to address needs related to widows. Anna probably battled poverty, loneliness, and depression, but she never lost hope in the God of Israel who loved her. She provides a powerful example to never give up. God's timing is perfect, and Anna waited faithfully on her God.
Notice, Anna makes her greatest contribution at her weakest condition. You persevere by doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. Far too many saints complain or get discouraged about what they don't have or can't do. At almost 100 years of age, there were some things Anna could not do that she once did, but Anna kept on serving. I love the words spoken by Jesus to Mary of Bethany who anointed him with burial perfume. Jesus said, "She has done what she could." Anna did what she could. What are you doing with what you have?
A major lesson from Anna's life is not to let age or any other barrier prevent you from making a significant contribution to the Kingdom. One of the beautiful aspects of the Christmas story is the variety of people that God uses for His glory. Young and old, rich and poor, women and men - all play critical roles in God's plan of redemption. Anna's story challenges all of us to stop making excuses that limit our effectiveness and start making a difference with the opportunities and resources that we do have.
Lifting Prayers
Dear Lord, I realize that many who lived in Anna's day were not looking for the Messiah. I pray today that you would stir the hearts of all my lost loved ones that they would start to look for You their Messiah. Father, many today have a vision of Jesus that is incorrect. Many people do not read their Bible, so they are easily fooled into believing things about Jesus that are not true. Lord, I declare that I will read my Bible. I want to know the true Jesus. I want to serve him and love him with all my heart. Lord, help me not to twist the scriptures into my interpretation. Help me not to create my vision of things. Help me to see things the way they really are. Help me to love your Word just as it is and to be an effective witness like Anna Your servant. Amen!
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