The Lord through Luke took notice of her. We should, too.
Again and again I have been greatly moved at the records in the New Testament concerning the devotion of women. Never can I forget the prominence that Luke, the beloved physician, gives to five widows. The most renowned is Anna— and what a beautiful name, meaning “favor” or “grace.” She was the daughter of Phanuel, which means “the face of God” and linked with the tribe of Asher, which is rendered “happiness” or “prosperous.”
1. Anna was known as a prophetess (v. 36). Why? It may be that her husband was a prophet, or because she was one through whom God spoke to others.
As Anna gazed upon the Babe of Bethlehem she knew the prophetic volume of truth was fulfilled in Him. During her long, godly life her mind had been saturated with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Redeemer, the seed of the woman, and she knew this Child was none other than the Lord’s Anointed. She spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. For eighty-four years as a widow her soul had been sustained by the Word of God, and all her hopes and aspirations were bound up in Him (Prov. 16:31).
2. Anna was a servant of God (v. 37). What better epitaph could one have than a testimony of having served the Lord? “Ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24) was the apostle’s word to the Christian slaves at Colosse as he urged them to do their menial tasks as unto the Lord Himself. A carpenter was once asked why he troubled to finish off a magistrate’s bench so carefully. His reply was, “I can’t do otherwise; besides, I may have to sit on it one of these days.” A better reply was given by the little servant girl when she was asked why she took such pains in washing the doorstep. “I am doing it for the Lord Jesus.” Ah! if anything be done for Him it will be done well.
3. Anna was self-denying. It is said she fasted (v. 37). Anna did not fast, as some do, to obtain favor with God, but, knowing the grace of the Lord, she was willing to deny herself that she might serve the Lord better.
4. Anna was prayerful (v. 37). Her prayers ascended to God “night and day.” She was incessant in her pleading. An old writer says, “Prayer is the key of the morning and the lock of the evening.” If we pray each morning before we go out on life’s pathway, we shall unlock the mercies God has for us; and if we look to Him at the close of the day we shall know that we are locked in with God from all harm and evil, as Noah was when the Lord shut him in the ark.
5. Anna was thankful. Simeon was not alone in his thanksgiving, for Anna “gave thanks likewise unto the Lord” (v. 38). Praise is comely to the Lord. Those who bless God with their praises are sure to be blessed by God with His mercies. A thankful man is full of blessing.
6. Anna was a true witness. “She spake of Him” (v. 38). Her testimony of Christ is implied in that she “spake of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” A true witness always tells what Christ is, what He has done, and what He is able to do, as known from personal experience. She became the first herald of the incarnation to all who looked for the Redeemer in Jerusalem. What greater prophecy or witness could there be concerning this helpless Babe? She was foremost of the prophetesses in the New Testament and is linked with eminent Old Testament figures like Miriam, Deborah and Huldah. How we thank God for such godly sisters of the past as well as in our generation. Such ministry may be hidden from men and be seldom in the limelight, yet it is so precious to God and of tremendous benefit to those who serve. Oh! the blessedness of those who prayerfully and patiently await His coming. God grant to our generation more women like Anna.