Living In The Temple

She was married for only seven years, and had lived as a widow for forty-four. Denied motherhood, she spent all her time in the Temple, probably holding the place of a deaconess. She lived apart from material things and “served God with fasting and prayers night and day,” (Luke 2:37)

Luke writes little of her character, yet his brief description is of a woman of great age, humble, having a serious nature, unearthly in spirit, and a woman of a strangely expectant faith. There were few like Anna who was certain that the prophecies of Micah and Isaiah would be fulfilled. She watched unceasingly for the coming of the Messiah.

The time for her to see him with her own eyes finally came. A young mother and her husband arrived at the Temple to present their infant son as was Jewish tradition. Anna realized this was the most mysterious offering that had ever been laid on the altar of the Temple.

Simon, the priest, took the baby boy in his hands and lifted him to the heavens. Anna at that moment caught heavenly inspiration declaring that this was the promised Messiah, the Hope of Israel, the Redeemer of the world. She had seen because she lived in the Temple, in the very presence of God and was intimate with His grace, providence and redemption.

In all probability Anna did not live to witness the manifestation of Christ. But she had been there to behold him and spent the remainder of her days thanking God for Him and spoke of the baby Jesus to all who would listen.

Originally posted on My Purpose Now.