12-28-13 Anna

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 worshiped 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.

Thoughts: Anna was a prophetess.  There were many examples of a prophetess in the Bible:  Isaiah's wife, Deborah (who was also a judge), Philip's seven daughters.   Anna was a  widow for 84 years (according to the Greek- not the age as in NIV).  If so she was at least 105 in a day when the average person lived until they were 27 (no antibiotics, good food, sanitation).  She was of the tribe of Asher- not a tribe of the priests (Levi) or of the kings (Judah), but the everyday Jew.  Her uniqueness is found in her dedication and zeal. 
    She never left the Temple.  Perhaps she took to heart Psalm 84 "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."  Today, too many would rather be anywhere but in God's house.  It is part of our rebellious nature- running away from our true Father. 
     She was not distracted with other loves, and her focus was clear and true.  She worshiped all the time.  Being with God was her main desire. In heaven we will want to have a heart like hers.  All other distractions will prove secondary.  This does not mean that we should all seek to be a widow that stays in church all of the time.  But this was her calling.  She found purpose, love, grace there.  Many miss out on this today and just vegetate in front of a computer or TV.  It is almost like we cannot see the stars for all the street lights.  But we are designed to be together with others in God's house. 
     When someone takes God seriously, it shows in their demeanor and patience.  The discerning person would listen to what they had to say. Anna along with Simeon, received Christ into His court- His earthly home- His Father's house. 
      Anna also was not embarrassed of being made fun of.  Her focus was on God and also how to help her people.  She did not mind speaking of the child to everyone she met.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to have more focus on you.  Keep me from being distracted.  Help me to speak of you to all I see.  Let your love overflow from my heart.