There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Women exist in the Bible! They are in and around the life of Jesus all the time, but unfortunately we don’t often get their names and titles.
That’s different for Anna; she gets a full name, a short biography, and a job description: she is a prophet.
Interestingly, we also have specifics of her audience: people praying for the city of Jerusalem to be liberated from Roman occupation.
Prophets interpret the present moment in light of the history of God, and they do so not just with words, but with their very lives.
What the birth of this baby was saying about Jerusalem’s liberation is a prophet’s office to interpret. That the interpretation comes from Anna is saying something more: that vulnerable people are well positioned to interpret what’s next from God. So, my take matters even if - especially if - I feel like a nobody.
Your unique interpretation of the present moment in light of the history of God is something only you can provide. Look today for signs as to what God might be up to. As you notice them, what do you imagine God is up to?
-- Kate Davoli
We invite you to take it one step further, and drop us a quick note about what strikes you in today's frame.
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