Her silence is loud. (October 2, 2024)

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/3c54ddeb/her-silence-is...

Standing on the tops of his shoulders, learning from the faith-filled life of Simeon, we spot another individual whose words we do not know, and yet she speaks so loudly -- even to us .  Take a moment and look at the following three verses … what do you notice about Anna, and Luke’s mention of her?  (Clearly, I find her remarkable, but why?) 

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.

She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2.36-38

Let's first do the math. Anna is now 84 years old. The average age for a young Jewish bride - about 16 years of age. After only seven years of marriage, her husband dies--she is now about 23 years of age. That means she remains unmarried, and worships God solely and faithfully for 61 years. In fact, she remains right on the temple grounds, Luke says. What would possess a person to conduct her life in such a manner, and what are we to learn from Anna? Always bearing in mind Paul's instruction, that 'All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.'1 All scripture - even three verses about an old woman.

Like Simeon, Anna is righteous, devoted, awaiting the arrival of Jesus, and filled with the Spirit; what's more, she is so present and aware of God that when she sees the babe Jesus in arms, she recognizes that all the prophecies about him have been fulfilled in her sight. Wow.

And so I wonder. Are you and I present with God, like Anna? Or do we put 'baby in the corner'2 . . . I mean, God in the corner, and just pull him out when we need Him, or even leave him behind when we finish our morning prayers? Abiding in Jesus is staying in his presence throughout each day, trusting that he hears our prayers and is at work. I wonder, too - in the waiting, are we both faithful and faith-filled? Anna's life compels me.

Which prompts a prayer.

Mighty Father,

We confess we are pulled here and there, distracted by many things.

Yet you have called us to love you with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strengths.3 Foster in us the desire to walk closely with you today

as we learn from this precious old saint of a woman.

May we too be devoted in prayer, watchful and thankful.4

May we be still before you, and wait patiently for you5, Heavenly Father.

In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

And another thing I notice about these verses - how Luke describes Anna, as 'the prophetess'. Friend, these are words of honor. Because Scripture is meant to be a mirror for our souls, yet again I ask myself, 'do my words honor or criticize, build up or tear down, encourage or disqualify?' And a recollection niggles my thoughts, words of Jesus: But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.6 O God, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You.7 Help me stop and think before I speak. Or, let my words be few.8

While our ability to speak is a gift, it comes with responsibility. Consider James' take: "but no human being can tame the tongue. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so...Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."9

Which brings us full circle back to Anna - the woman who prayed and waited faithfully on the Lord, and when she KNEW, she gave thanks to God and spoke excitedly of Jesus. Now that is making good use of our tongues!

Listen! Where can I Go? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2mpkdhRHM

In his presence,

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - 2 Timothy 3.16-17, NLT

2 - baby in the corner - reference to a movie

3 - Mark 12.30

4 - Colossians 4.2

5 - Psalm 37.7

6 - Matthew 12.36-37

7 - Psalm 19.14, emboldened by moi

8 - Ecclesiastes 5.2

9 - James 3.8-10, 13