Finding Redemption

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna was a prophetess

She was

++Called of God

++Recognized by people

The visible proof of her calling was undeniable.

Acts 4:14–16 ESV

14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

Anna was a widow

She had been

++Married for seven years

++Living in the temple 84 years

Anna was satisfied in her relationship with God

She Served God

++Fasting and Prayer

++She was a worshipper of God

The Prophetic Message

There are two recognizable parts of a prophetic proclamation

A Prophetic Proclamation

++For telling

++Forth telling

There is a great amount of attention given to the first aspect of prophecy.

People are fascinated by the future

We want to know what is coming.

We want to know what to do next.

Matthew 6:30–34 ESV

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Jesus lived his life in the moment.

Jesus tell us

++God can be trusted

++God is faithful

++God cares for you

Anna was dedicated to God

for 84 years she has sought for a promised redemption.

Hebrews 10:1 ESV

1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.

Hebrews 10:3 ESV

3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

Galatians 4:4–5 ESV

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Simeon has spoken a powerful Word

Luke 2:34–35 ESV

34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

In that moment

++Anna gave thanks

++Anna spoke

Luke 2:38 ESV

38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna Spoke

++Not of herself

++Not of her plight

++Of Jesus

++To those that were looking

What are you looking for?

++Another touch

++Another message

++Another word

Jesus has come

Luke 1:68 ESV

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people

Related Media

Related Sermons