-December 9, 2021-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-37).
“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).
We have all heard the expression, “He was in the right place at the right time.” This certainly applied to this dear, sweet saint, Anna the prophetess. She was advanced in years, 84 years old, but she had great commitment, dedication, and zeal. She had experienced hardship in her life that served to deepen her walk with the Lord. She married young and was only married for 7 years before her husband past away and she was widowed. Insulted of sulking and asking, “Why me, Lord?” She dedicated her life to prayer, fasting, and service to the Lord. What a lesson for us when hardships, adversities, and trials come.
In fact, Anna did not the temple. She was there more than the priests or Levites! Her example was so encouraging to those who came into the house of God. I am sure she always had a smile on her face. She, likely other godly Jews, was waiting for the coming Messiah; her long wait was over. She got to see the baby Jesus. As a prophetess she knew that He was the promised One.
Luke wrote, “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” She was truly in the right place at the right time to see the Christ. All the hard times she went through just made even more worthwhile! Was she ever thankful that her sight was still good, and she still had her mental and physical facilities.
So many times we miss opportunities and blessings when we are not at the right place at the right time. It should be our desire and practice to be at church for every meeting. Who knows, the Spirit may be working in an extraordinary way through the preacher. If we aren’t there, we may miss a real blessing! Can you imagine if she missed that particular day when Mary and Joseph came in to have Jesus circumcised and dedicated to the Lord?
May the Lord gives us the dedication, commitment, and zeal of Anna. Oh that we will be at the right time, at the right place, with the right results. When all three line up, we know the Lord is leading us in His will.
Have a blessed day in God’s will. Just wait and see what He going to show you and do in your life today. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 