Anna's Service - Bible Baptist Church

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In the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ we are probably familiar with the shepherds, the wise men, Mary, and Joseph, but Anna is a lady that doesn’t make it in the manger scene. She is there when Jesus Christ is a baby and brought to the temple. There’s not a lot written about Anna, but there is much said about Anna in what is written.

Her service is her identity

Anna is a prophetess.
Daughter of Phanuel is notable. We don’t know who Phanuel is, but we do know what the name means. Look at Genesis 32:30. Phanuel means the face of God. No doubt this is mentioned because Anna had seen the face of Jesus Christ, the express image of God.
Asher is also noteworthy. It’s meaning corresponds with Anna’s situation. Look at Genesis 30:13.

She waited on the LORD and loved his appearing

…departed not from the temple…
Anna chooses to be the keeper of the Lord’s house.
She was there because it was God’s house. She attended to the things of the LORD.
She knew the old testament, the scriptures. She knew the religious leadership in Israel was apostate. She knew the Pharisees were a bunch of hypocrites. She knew Israel was was under the judgment of God as Gentiles ruled the land. But she stayed in the temple because it was God’s house!
Her consistency is admirable.
It’s like the children at this time of year going to the window on Christmas eve trying to see Santa Claus. Some children certainly LOVE his appearing.

She served the LORD with fasting and prayer

This is how she waited on the LORD.
God’s house called a house of prayer
1 Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
Prayer and fasting are two parts of one ministry. Fasting humbles the soul and prepares the heart to approach God.
Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Her fellowship is with others looking for redemption

Notice she speaks of Christ to all who look for redemption in Jerusalem
She has fellowship with others who are looking for redemption.