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by Sindhu George
Have you ever thought that God has forgotten you? You may have been serving faithfully for a long time. It isn’t that you want to be paid for your Christian service but a little recognition would be nice. Have you wondered whether you will ever get the blessings you long for?
There was a woman mentioned in the Bible in Luke chapter 2, who served the Lord for a long time. Her name was Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was a prophetess. Prophets and prophetesses devoted themselves to serving God. Because of this close relationship with God, they were able to speak His word.
Anna’s name means “gracious.”
The Bible says that Anna had lived with her husband seven years after their marriage and then she was widowed. It had been a long time since she had had a husband. Now at 84 years old (*see below), she spent all of her time in the temple, fasting and praying. She worshiped the Lord day and night. Chances are, Anna never received recognition or payment for her service, but God was about to give her a special blessing.
Jesus had been born. He was just over a month old when Joseph and Mary brought to him to the temple to present him to the Lord as was required in the Law for every first born male. While they were at the temple, Anna saw them, gave thanks to God for the child and spoke about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. He was the answer to an ancient prophecy. I wonder how many people believed the old woman when she told them she had seen the Messiah? Whatever her listeners thought, she knew. God had given her the privilege of beholding His face in this tiny baby. What a joy it must have been to proclaim that the Savior had come.
Anna had lived with disappointment. Having been married only seven years, she was a young woman when she was widowed. But now, in her old age she spent her time praying, worshiping and serving her Lord. There is no retirement for the Christian. We are called to serve and to worship until He comes back or He calls us home. What better life is there?
Developing a relationship with God is the most fulfilling relationship anyone can have. He fills every emptiness and makes up for any loss. After many years of service, God blessed Anna by bringing the new born Messiah to her.
See Also:
Selfishness and Consequences
Let us have a re-examination of our own hearts. Let
us see whether we are influenced by the pride of the heart. The
pride plays a key role in the spiritual lives of the faithful making
distractions from God.
Why
Jesus? Is Jesus relevant today?
Although other philosophers and religious leaders have offered their
answers to the meaning of life, only Jesus Christ proved his
credentials by rising from the dead.
Jesus offers life with real meaning. He said that life is much more than making money,
having fun, being successful, and then ending up in a graveyard. Yet, many people still
try to find meaning in fame and success, even the greatest superstars…
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