Anna, Jerusalem's First Ambassador
What Simeon said, Anna spread
Last month, we examined the rich prophetic announcement by a devout man named Simeon (Something Simeon Said).[1] He spoke these words in Jerusalem when Jesus was presented in the Temple by his earthly parents in accordance with the Law. This month let’s look at another very special servant of God. She was the first to spread the wonderful news that Simeon proclaimed.
The birth
Heralded by angels. Witnessed by shepherds.[2] Honored by Gentile wise men.[3] who came from afar. Foretold as a miraculous virgin birth.[4] Israel’s Messiah from the beginning was identified as the One coming to redeem not only Israel but all who would believe and call upon Him. Whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, of high or low social status – all would have access to the salvation He freely offers!
Jerusalem’s first ambassador
What a perfect choice for Jerusalem’s first ambassador to spread the news of the One who would bring the Good News. An 84-year-old widow named Anna,[5] a Jewish prophetess, had totally given her life to serve the God of Israel. She worshiped and prayed day and night in the Temple! What the people of God will be doing for eternity, Anna was doing when the Messiah was born.
The response of a heart fully dedicated to God
After years of praying, praising, and fasting, now Anna’s overjoyed heart caused her mouth to speak of this special Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel. Anna spread the news about Jesus because she recognized the words spoken by Simeon were true. Her life was dedicated to worship, prayer, and focusing on God, making her a wise and discerning vessel, fit for being used by God for His glory.
What an example of true love
Anna’s earthly marriage lasted but seven years until her husband died. We know nothing of her husband, but we see that her earthly loss did not imprison her to an existence of grief. She was not overwhelmed by the void caused by the loss of her spouse. Rather, she focused on her relationship with God. As He consumed her every thought, surely her soul was uplifted to the point that her grief was dulled. The cares of this life were overshadowed by her immersion into serving the God who became her life’s focus.
Lessons we can learn from Anna
Sometimes people who have come to know Jesus as the true Messiah, the Son of God, are shunned, ill-spoken of, or have false accusations hurled at them – especially if they proclaim Jesus as the Messiah to the Jewish people.
But how can one whose life has been transformed by the Savior keep silent? As did Anna, upon hearing and understanding the message Simeon gave, so may we be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy as we receive the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls.[6]
When there is loss, there can be gain
Another lesson we can learn from Anna is that when we experience the grievous loss of someone we dearly love, we can run hard to our God and take our pain to our great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God.[7] We can draw closer to our Father than ever before.
We would love to talk with you about what Simeon said and then Anna spread
The Lord uses the life of Anna to give us a picture of a life dedicated to God. She shows us that advancing age and the hardships of life can be overcome when Jesus is our life. To have a heart dedicated to God is to know the Father and that comes through knowing the Son.[8]
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff
Are you still looking for the One who brings redemption for Israel and the world? Find evidence for the Messiahship of Jesus at www.insearchofshalom.com.
Have you found the promised Messiah Jesus, and believed in Him, but are needing prayer and encouragement because you, like Anna, have suffered loss? If so, please contact us; we would love to pray with you.
Is there someone in your life who has recently suffered the grievous loss of a loved one? Would the Lord have you reach out with a loving word of comfort and offer to pray for His comfort?
Endnotes:
[1] https://lifeinmessiah.org/blog/something-simeon-said.
[2] Luke 2:8-15.
[3] Matthew 2:1-11.
[4] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
[5] Luke 2:36-38.
[6] 1 Peter 1:8-9.
[7] Hebrews 4:14-16.
[8] Luke 10:22.
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