Topical Bible: All Christians should be As Missionaries: Anna

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Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, serves as a profound example of devotion and evangelistic fervor, embodying the call for all Christians to live as missionaries. Her account, though brief, is rich with implications for the Christian life and mission.

Biblical Account

Anna's account is found in Luke 2:36-38. She is described as "the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher," and is noted for her advanced age and long widowhood. The Berean Standard Bible states: "There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:36-37).

Anna's life was marked by her constant presence in the temple, where she dedicated herself to worship, fasting, and prayer. Her devotion is highlighted by her immediate recognition of Jesus as the Messiah when He was presented at the temple. Luke 2:38 records, "Coming forward at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."

Anna's Missionary Zeal

Anna's response to encountering Jesus is instructive for all believers. Her actions demonstrate that missionary work is not confined to distant lands or specific vocations but is a calling for every Christian. Anna's evangelistic activity was rooted in her deep spiritual life, characterized by worship and prayer. Her example shows that a life devoted to God naturally overflows into a desire to share the good news with others.

Her proclamation of Jesus to "all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" underscores the missionary impulse that should drive every believer. Anna did not keep the revelation of the Messiah to herself; instead, she shared it with those around her, fulfilling the role of a missionary within her immediate context.

Lessons from Anna's Life

1. Devotion and Worship: Anna's life was centered around worship and prayer, which equipped her to recognize and proclaim the Messiah. Christians are called to cultivate a similar devotion, allowing their relationship with God to fuel their missionary endeavors.

2. Faithfulness in Waiting: Anna's long years of waiting and her faithfulness in prayer prepared her for the moment she encountered Jesus. Her account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will use them in His timing.

3. Proclamation of the Gospel: Anna's immediate response to share the news of Jesus with others highlights the importance of evangelism. Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ in their daily lives, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those around them.

4. Mission in Everyday Life: Anna's example shows that missionary work is not limited to formal ministry roles. Every believer, regardless of age or circumstance, is called to be a missionary in their own sphere of influence, sharing the love and truth of Christ.

Anna's life serves as a timeless reminder that all Christians are called to be missionaries, living out their faith with devotion and sharing the message of Jesus with the world. Her account encourages believers to embrace their role in God's redemptive plan, proclaiming the Gospel with joy and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A New Venture
... suggestion was that single women missionaries should be appointed ... Cheng attended
a meeting of Christians where, meeting ... confided her purpose, did all in their ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter iii a new venture.htm

The Sifting Time, 1743-1750.
... made terms with kings at all, they should take their ... he meant a religious school
in which Christians were trained ... judgment are we to pass on all these follies? ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter viii the sifting time.htm

The Foreign Missions and their Influence.
... The young men were all on fire. ... of Protestant Europe a congregation of orthodox
Christians had deliberately ... As the Lot which decided that Dober should go had ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the foreign missions.htm

The Call Intensified
... Power which took such effect on them should not have ... chance to perform upon him,
and, above all, upon his ... they inhaled it, would compel them to be Christians. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xviii the call intensified.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... to others as he would that they should do to him ... else; it were much better if they
were altogether Christians. ... to adore and offer gifts; would that all the wise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... their worshipping of God as they should, we shall ... working tools and stock, but commonly
all the furniture, was taken from the Christians, while their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm