Topical Encyclopedia Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the New Testament, is a notable figure associated with thanksgiving and devotion. Her account is found in the Gospel of Luke, where she is presented as a model of piety and gratitude. Anna's life and actions provide a profound example of faithfulness and thanksgiving to God.Biblical Account Anna is introduced in Luke 2:36-38. She is described as "a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher." The text notes that she was "advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four." Anna's long life of widowhood is marked by her unwavering dedication to God. She "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). Her encounter with the infant Jesus occurs during the presentation of Jesus at the temple. At that moment, Anna comes forward and gives thanks to God. Luke 2:38 states, "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" . Her thanksgiving is not only a personal expression of gratitude but also a public proclamation of the Messiah's arrival. Theological Significance Anna's life is a testament to the virtues of patience, devotion, and thanksgiving. Her constant presence in the temple signifies a life wholly dedicated to worship and service. Her actions reflect a heart full of gratitude, even amidst personal loss and long years of waiting. Anna's thanksgiving is rooted in her recognition of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through the birth of Jesus Christ. Her prophetic role underscores the importance of women in the early Christian narrative and highlights the inclusivity of God's revelation. Anna's thanksgiving is not limited to her own experience but extends to the broader hope of redemption for Israel. Her proclamation to those "waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" emphasizes the communal aspect of thanksgiving, as it invites others to share in the joy of God's salvation. Lessons from Anna's Thanksgiving Anna's example teaches believers the importance of a life centered on worship and gratitude. Her account encourages Christians to remain steadfast in faith, even in times of waiting and uncertainty. Anna's thanksgiving is a reminder that true gratitude is rooted in the recognition of God's work in the world and His faithfulness to His promises. Her life also illustrates the power of testimony. By sharing her thanksgiving and the good news of Jesus' birth, Anna becomes a witness to God's redemptive plan. Her actions inspire believers to express their gratitude not only in private devotion but also in public witness, sharing the hope of Christ with others. In summary, Anna's account in the Gospel of Luke provides a rich example of thanksgiving, devotion, and witness. Her life of worship and her response to the revelation of Jesus Christ serve as an enduring model for believers seeking to live lives of gratitude and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:38And 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 Praise to God, Immortal Praise Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna Simeon's Prophetic Discourse. The Evangel Booklets A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell. Laudo. Introduction Letter Liv. To Furia. The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple Letter vii. To Chromatius, Jovinus, and Eusebius. Resources What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thanksgiving of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of Thanksgiving: Expressed in Psalms Thanksgiving: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thanksgiving: Saints: Abound in the Faith With Thanksgiving: Saints: Come Before God With Thanksgiving: Saints: Exhorted To Thanksgiving: Saints: Habitually offer Thanksgiving: Saints: Magnify God By Thanksgiving: Saints: Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving: Saints: Resolved to offer Thanksgiving: Saints: should Enter God's Gate With Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Praise Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Prayer Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Men Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Things Thanksgiving: should be offered for Appointment to the Ministry Thanksgiving: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thanksgiving: should be offered for Deliverance Through Christ from In-Dwelling Sin Thanksgiving: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Wants Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thanksgiving: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thanksgiving: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thanksgiving: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thanksgiving: should be offered in Behalf of Ministers Thanksgiving: should be offered in Everything Thanksgiving: should be offered in Private Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in Public Worship Thanksgiving: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: Always Thanksgiving: should be offered: At the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thanksgiving: should be offered: Before Taking Food Thanksgiving: should be offered: Through Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To Christ Thanksgiving: should be offered: To God Thanksgiving: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thanksgiving: The Heavenly Host Engaged In Thanksgiving: The Wicked Averse To Related Terms Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
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