Part 4

Today we are going to review the brief account of a woman whose story is recorded in Luke 2:36-38.  Her name is Anna.   We know she was of the tribe of Asher.  Asher means happy.  Genesis 33:24-25 tells us that the blessing on the tribe of Asher was that they were the most blessed of all the sons of Israel, they were favored by the Lord.  Anna was the daughter of Panuel.  She was a prophetess.  She appears to be a living example of Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV)

Anna’s life likely didn’t seem so happy nor did she likely seem favored by God by her friends or family.  You see, Anna’s husband died after they were married only seven years.  From that time on this young widow dedicated herself to serve the Lord in prayer and fasting in the temple.  I wonder if she felt like she walked in the favor of the Lord when she became a widow?  Honestly, it doesn’t matter, because regardless of how she felt, or even how others thought about her, the Word clearly tells us she did not depart from the temple.  She was faithful.  

“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.” (Luke 2:36-37, NKJV)

One day while she was in the temple, Mary and Joseph came to the temple to dedicate Jesus.  Upon seeing Him the Word says “…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b, NKJV)

Anna spoke, as did Zacharias, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…”(Luke 1:68, NKJV)  Dear ones, by faith, Anna at age 84, had the eyes to see and declare Jesus the redemption of Israel.  Can you picture the scene….a new baby arrives and Anna is blessed with the most amazing gift, she sees and recognizes that this baby is the redemption of Israel.  She was surely favored by God to be so blessed.

Dear one, do you want the Lord to increase your faith?  I know I do.  Do you want to read His Word and get fresh revelation by Holy Spirit?  I know I do.  I would like to suggest that our faith will increase as we hear the rhema Word of the Lord (Romans 10:17).  Let us press on in our study of the Word and ask Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the fullness of His Word that FAITH might increase.  Oh yes, dear sisters, let FAITH arise and the enemy of our souls be shattered!! (Ps. 68:1)

Blessings,

Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate

For further study on FAITH may I recommend:
Restoring Your Shield of FAITH by Chuck D Pierce and Robert Heidler, Regal Press.