Waiting For Jesus Like Anna

December 14, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Riverside village in Cambodia

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, He was name Jesus, the name given Him by the angel even before He was conceived. Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple… She was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Luke 2:21,36-38 (NLT)

What is the longest time you’ve waiting for something very special?

Anna waited her whole adult life.

If Anna followed cultural norms, she was widowed at around 21 years old. She worshiped God with fasting and prayer and was “very old” (nearing 84) on the day Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple. If my math is correct, Anna waited expectantly and persistently for about 60 years. Sixty years!

For what?

For rescue. For the promised Messiah. For God to make things right.

Anna knew the world was not as it should be. She would not be satisfied with the poverty, violence, oppression, fear, and corruption of her time.

By fasting from sunrise to sunset, Anna remained physically uncomfortable. Her desire for food paralleled her spirit’s desire for God’s justice. Anna committed herself to persistently pleading with God for rescue. She cried out with frustration and grief while proclaiming His promises.

Anna waited expectantly with complete faith that the Messiah would come.

What are you waiting for?

Have you become satisfied with the world?

Are you persistent in praying for change?

Are you confident that God will act?

#SeedsOfScripture #Christmas #JesusIsComing #BePersistent

1 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on December 15, 2015 at 10:39 AM

Cathy, A beautiful reminder that waiting on the Lord is worth it.

Reply

Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.

Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

Receive Seeds of Scripture by email.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.