Anna – Prophetess and Prayer warrior

Anna is an important personality recorded only by Dr. Luke in his gospel.

Prophetess:

About one hundred prophets are mentioned in the Bible. About 75 are in the Old Testament and 25 in the New Testament. Abraham was the first prophet. (Genesis 20:7) Most prophets in the Bible are men. However, there are some prominent female prophets. Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Noadiah, and Isaiah’s wife. (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; II Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Isaiah 8:3) Luke mentions about four unmarried daughters of Philip who were prophetesses. (Acts 21:9) Anna is mentioned as a prophetess, which denotes her calling, ministry, and role in God’s plan.

Tribe of Asher

Luke mentions her family and tribal background. The tribe of Asher was promised with food delicacies and prophesied that he would dip his fee in oil. Both meant prosperity, yet the tribe did not conquer the portion allotted to the tribe. (Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33: 24-29) Anna belonged to the Asher tribe and was a daughter of Phanuel.

In the New Testament, the names of tribes are not normally mentioned. David is mentioned as descending from the tribe of Judah, and Saul’s tribe name is mentioned as Benjamin. (Luke 2:4: Philippians 3:5) Barnabas is mentioned as a Levite. (Acts 4:36)

Widow

Anna is described as a widow, whose husband died after seven years of marriage. She did not marry again. Her husband’s name is not given. Did she have children? There is no certain information. It is said that when she came into the Temple to see Jesus, she was 84 years old. She was probably given a residential quarter in the Temple precincts because of her status as a prophetess.

Prayers and Fasting

Anna’s call was prayer and fasting. For many, prayer and fasting are a boring spiritual element. Praying, praising, thanksgiving and intercession are great privileges. Anna had reasons to be angry with God for the loss of her husband. She could have turned bitter and against God. But, she was steadfast in her faith and mission. For most Christians, prayer and fasting are a low priority. However, for Anna, it was her only priority and a great privilege.

Did not depart

Luke writes that Anna did not leave the Temple. This indicates she was dedicated to the ministry God had entrusted her. She did not go to visit her family members if she had any. Being dedicated to God, and ministry in Temple, she did not have any social life.

Came at the right moment

Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to fulfil the requirements of the Law of Moses. It was not announced or advertised. Yet, the Spirit of God guided Simeon as well as Anna to come at the right moment to see the child, the Son of God, the consolation of Israel.

Challenge

Anna challenges us to pray, fast, and be dedicated to him.