“And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” — Luke 2:36-38

For the last two Sundays, we have made some observations about Anna. First that she was a prophetess, and second that she didn’t let the difficulties of her life (being a widow for so many years) keep her from selflessly serving the Lord and living a life of thanksgiving. This morning, let’s consider why she received knowledge of Jesus. “She never left the temple, serving night and day.”

Anna was there day and night for years. God was pleased to let her see Jesus because she was there. It would have been easy for Anna to quit serving in the Lord’s house. After all, she was old, and she had been faithful for so long—she deserved a break, didn’t she? Had she taken that easier road, she would have missed Jesus.

If we want to receive all that the Lord has for us, we, too, must remain faithful, attending public worship and serving in the church. Sure, there will be times when nothing exciting is happening, but it is as we remain faithful over the long haul that God will bless us with special visitations. As we have so often said, 90% of discipleship is showing up! Do not grow weary while doing good, friend! It is as we are faithful that we shall see Jesus.