Luke 2:36-38 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, 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. 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.
Whenever I think about this remarkable woman I don’t normally think about her as a prophetess, instead I always think about her as the women, who after the tragic death of her husband, spent over 60 years worshiping and serving God day and night with prayer and fasting. She spent over 6 decades radically seeking God’s heart and purposes. It’s interesting that we have no record of any prophecy she gave, though I’m sure many of them were about the expected Messiah. What she is famous for is not her anointing as a prophetess, but as a lovesick pursuer of the heart of God. Her fame is her love and wasted life for Him. Fame with men because of her prophetic anointing isn’t what she is remembered for. Her fame in Heaven is her story. She has become a real hero to me. I meet so many people, especially among clergy and full time ministers, whose great desire is to be more anointed. To have bigger ministries and broader influence with people is their aching passion, and I’m sure I’ve been there too, particularly in my younger years. I find, though that my great passion now is not to be remembered for my anointing, but for a radical, burning love for God. If greater anointing comes with that, then fine, but I want to be the greatest lover/worshiper who ever lived, not the greatest teacher, or prophet, etc. If I’m never heard of on earth, but am highly esteemed in Heaven, then I will be a successful man indeed. A verse in a worship song goes like this, “This is my success, to love You and be loved by You.” AMEN!!!
(Love Is Like A Fine Wine sung by Katie Reed)