Topical Bible: Watchfulness: Anna

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Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, serves as a profound example of watchfulness and devotion in the New Testament. Her account is brief yet impactful, illustrating a life dedicated to the anticipation of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah.

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." Notably, Anna was "very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four." Despite her advanced age and the hardships of widowhood, Anna's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to God. She "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37).

Her watchfulness is highlighted during the presentation of Jesus at the temple. At that moment, Anna came forward and "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). Her recognition of Jesus as the Messiah underscores her spiritual insight and readiness to witness God's fulfillment of His promises.

Spiritual Significance

Anna's life exemplifies the virtue of watchfulness, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Her constant presence in the temple and her dedication to fasting and prayer reflect a heart attuned to God's voice and a life oriented towards His purposes. Her watchfulness was not passive; it was active and expectant, characterized by a deep longing for the redemption of Israel.

In the broader biblical context, watchfulness is often associated with spiritual alertness and readiness for the Lord's coming. Jesus Himself admonished His followers to "be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42). Anna embodies this alertness, living in a state of spiritual readiness and anticipation.

Lessons from Anna's Watchfulness

1. Devotion in Adversity: Anna's life teaches that devotion to God can flourish even in the face of personal loss and hardship. Her widowhood did not deter her from seeking God; rather, it deepened her commitment to Him.

2. Persistent Prayer: Her continual presence in the temple, marked by fasting and prayer, highlights the importance of persistent prayer in maintaining spiritual vigilance. Anna's life encourages believers to cultivate a prayerful spirit, remaining steadfast in communion with God.

3. Recognition of God's Work: Anna's ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah demonstrates the fruit of a watchful spirit. Her spiritual sensitivity allowed her to perceive God's work and to bear witness to it, encouraging others who awaited redemption.

4. Witness to Others: Anna's response to seeing Jesus was to speak about Him to others. Her watchfulness naturally led to witness, as she shared the good news with those around her. This aspect of her life challenges believers to be ready to share their faith and the hope they have in Christ.

Anna's account, though brief, offers a rich tapestry of lessons on watchfulness, devotion, and the joy of witnessing God's promises fulfilled. Her life stands as a testament to the power of a vigilant and faithful heart, ever ready to embrace the work of God in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

For that Also is no Foolish Question which is Wont to be Proposed. ...
... with sober watchfulness shall shun what follows, "But she who passes her time in
delights, living is dead," all those three goods, which were Anna's, shall be ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 16 for that also.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... [40] This angel, the companion of young Tobias, represented God's watchfulness over
the ... as well as the simultaneous prayers of Joachim and Anna, separated from ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Israel; the tenderness and care of a mother in that of the watchfulness and pity ...
and ordinances of the Lord, blameless." There was also one Anna whose devotion ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
... principal part of the Christian's employment, and sobriety and watchfulness are
subordinate ... get this commendation that the Holy Ghost gives to Anna, she served ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii be ye therefore.htm

1 Timothy v. 8
... Such was Anna. ... For it proceeds not from gluttony nor fullness of the head, but from
intense watchfulness and fasting, or the like causes; and hence it is ...
/.../homily xiv 1 timothy v.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... which is suggested to us in the story of Zacharias, or of Anna, or of ... in God, warnings
against covetousness, anxiety and lack of watchfulness, Christ's coming ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Concerning Worship.
... time publicly began to call upon the name of the Lord; and such as at the command
of God went thrice up to Jerusalem to worship; and that Anna, Simeon, Mary, &c ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
... men spend such toil, such endeavour, so much money, so much anxiety, watchfulness,
and care ... hath said to Thee, My face hath sought Thee[200]; and of Anna we are ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxiii of prayer.htm

part ii
... the saints, who despised their flesh, and mortified it by continual abstinence and
fasting, by lying on the bare earth, by watchfulness, labours, unceasing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm