Anna
Ponder: Godly Widows
Scripture: “Now she who is really a widow and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5 NKJV).
At age 84, Anna was still a regular at the temple, serving God “with fastings and prayers night and day (Luke 2:37). There she saw the baby Jesus as Mary and Joseph “brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord . . .” (Luke 2:22). Her heart overflowing with joy, “she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).
In some ways, Anna was an ordinary Jewish woman. Her tribe (Asher) descended from one of Jacob’s concubines and was smaller than most other tribes. The Old Testament says little about it, and nothing outstanding. What, then, made Anna so special?
First, she was morally pure, having kept herself a virgin until marriage (Luke 2:36). Married only seven years, Anna found herself a widow. Did they have children? We know not; but she appears to be alone as Luke writes of her – alone, that is, except for the Lord.
Anna’s faith also made her exceptional. She knew what the Scriptures said about Messiah coming, and she eagerly anticipated His glorious appearing. No doubt her faith was strengthened by the trials of widowhood which she had endured for decades.
A manifestation of her faith, Anna’s prayers and fastings comprise a third indication of her excellence. Night and day she was drawing near to God. Paul had women like her in mind when he described the “widow indeed” (1 Timothy 5:5).
Most congregations are blessed with several godly widows, each of whom might be called “Anna.” Let these sisters know how thankful you are for the fine example they set in faithful, devout lives of service. Their love for God and for us is obvious, and we depend upon their continued prayers.
Song: “Living by Faith”
Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank you for godly widows who have served you for years and continue to serve even now. Move us to be a blessing in their lives as they are in ours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)