Scripture - Luke 2:36-38 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 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.
Observation - What a devout old lady. Anna was eighty four years old and spent her days in the temple worshiping, praying, and fasting in great anticipation of the coming savior. She simply spent her days waiting to see God. Disciplined to never leave the temple. She resolved herself to fast and to pray. Once she was in His presence she spent her time talking to anyone who would listen about the redemption of Jerusalem, the path to righteousness, the way to heaven. This was an eighty four year old woman that had set her mind that she was going to serve God. She only lived with her husband for seven years and didn't go looking for another one but resigned herself to serve Her God.
Application - There is so much that we can learn from the older members of our church. They have such discipline in their lives and such passion for serving God. The younger members that bring such a vibrancy and unbridled worship - can learn from the elder group that has been there and is still hanging in there in holy anticipation of their King. We have many in our churches that have resigned themselves to fast and pray and worship God. They are not looking for flashy or fancy - they simply want to touch Him and to see Him professed throughout the land. I am so encouraged by the elder saints that I am associated with. I look at them not as nuisance but as wisdom waiting to be unleashed on the church. Anna was dedicated to fast, pray and worship. We can learn from this little lady. We must resolve ourselves to hear the word of God and to fast, pray and worship. Having a longing to be in the temple...
Prayer - God help me to look at our Anna's with an anticipation of great wisdom. I know that as Anna was able to preach the redemption of Jerusalem at eighty four - you are looking for a generation that will stand in anticipation of seeing you, holding you and speaking of you. Help us to learn.
