Season 4, The Birth of Christ: Anna the Prophet

Her Story

How long have you been waiting for the longing you have been praying about to be fulfilled? A longing you have felt certain God has invited you to pray about, that you feel certain God has indicated will be fulfilled?
Anna's story can be told in three stages: There was tragedy early in her life, then came the temple where she lived most of her life, and finally came the testimony God gave her towards the end of her life.
Simeon, most likely a priest in the temple, had been hoping all his life on the fulfillment of a prophecy he had been given. Now a very old man, and an otherwise perfectly ordinary, routine day, this prophecy the Holy Spirit to make a prophecy of his own.
And right by his side,
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age
Luke 2:36 (NRSV)
She is already notable for being named a prophet, but more than that, she is the only named woman prophet in the whole Christian testament. Philip the Evangelist had four unmarried daughters who were prophets, and evidently in the first century church were many women who prophesied. But only Anna is named.
Through Anna, we learn how
I Tragedy, Luke 2:36
God provides in times of tragedy.
II Temple, Luke 2:37
Living into God’s calling brings life satisfaction.
III Testimony, Luke 2:38
Prophets praise God and proclaim Jesus is Messiah.
To see this presentation on YouTube, click the link: Anna the Prophet

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