What Jesus Did! 'An Old Hope and Finally, Delight' — Luke 2:36-38

Friday, February 3, 2023

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple [when Joseph and Mary were dedicating Jesus]. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
— Luke 2:36-38 NLT

Key Thought

Anna had lost her husband, but not her hope. She had lost the life of her dreams, but not the ability to dream. Life can be hard for most of us. Some people get hit with crushing wounds early in their journey. These wounds don't have to destroy their lives. While people may carry the memory and the scars through all of their years, God can be their sufficiency and strength, just as he was for Anna. Her walk with God stands up there with Elijah and Enoch. She found God sufficient for her needs and worthy of her praise. God gave her the delight of her life and an opportunity to do what the prophets had foretold — "Your sons and daughters will prophesy." [1] She was privileged to declare the arrival of the Messiah to everyone in the Temple. What a long wait! What a glorious conclusion! What an awesome privilege! Come to think of it, we have the privilege of declaring Jesus, too!

[1] Joel 2:28.

Today's Prayer

Father, I do not know what life will bring me, but please give me the faith to trust that you will be there to help me find my way through this life until I find the joy that awaits me in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 46:1-3, 7
  • Acts 2:16-18
  • Luke 10:38-42

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:36-38 NLT — She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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