Anna Comes

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

ὥρα

hōra

day, hour, instant, moment, season

“at that very hour”

Anna lived in the temple. Her life was now devoted to God in prayer and fasting. Anna ‘just happened’ to arrive at that place where Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus to present Jesus to the Lord. This was at the time of purification.

Anna arrived at that moment, in that instant, and in that place where Simeon had already come by the Holy Spirit.

Father God, this woman named Anna has come to Jesus and knows Who He is. Father, she could only know Your Son because Your Holy Spirit had given her the gift of knowledge at that moment. She was expecting You to send the Messiah to and for her people. She knew because she believed…she trusted…she spent time with You every day and knew You so beautifully. Oh, LORD, how most precious is Your servant.

προσδέχομαι

prosdechomai

to receive to one’s self, to admit, to give access to one’s self

to await (with confidence or patience):—accept, allow, look (wait) for, take

to expect: the fulfillment of promises

The phrase (“all who were waiting”) from other versions:

“them that looked”

“had been waiting expectantly”

“who were looking forward”

“who were looking”

For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given;
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

God foretold of His coming. Anna believed.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for Me
One Who is to be ruler in Israel,
Whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days. Micah 5:2

Anna read God’s Word and believed this Truth, confirming God’s gift of redemption. Hallelujah!

I know that Jesus came. I believe. I read God’s Word now and try to understand the words God has given me. No matter what my head understanding may be, my heart does understand. I do look up. I wait.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

Father, I wait. I look up. I know a little. I am so filled with gratitude for the Gift of Your Son. I know Him as my Lord and Savior. I know Him by Your Word. I know Him because He is my Shepherd and I am His sheep. I know His voice. I look up. I wait. Anna knew that many were waiting…waiting for their redemption.

λύτρωσις

lytrōsis

a ransoming, redemption

deliverance, esp. from the penalty of sin

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

Anna knew her God and knew His promises. She awaited His coming. And once she saw the Christ, she spoke God’s Truth to all she could.

Father, You have given me another insight through Anna. I am so blessed to discover Your Truth in Your Word by Your Holy Spirit. As Anna was bold, may I become bold to spread the Good News to all I encounter. Your love for us, whether Gentile or Jew, is so powerful and kind. I pray that Your Gift be received by all…by ALL. I have received this Gift from You, yet I wait for His second coming. I wait. I look nigh. I expect…for my belief in Jesus is whole. It is more than enough. I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

“‘…and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” Luke 3:6

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