Exceptional Devotion: Exceptional Honor

"Exceptional Devotion - Exceptional Honor," Volume I of the "Gripped For Glory" series, is a biblical biography of Anna the Prophetess.

In three short verses found in the second chapter of Luke’s gospel, the author gives us a glimpse into the life of an extraordinarily devout Jewish woman named Anna. She was not a literary device or mere allegorical figure placed within the gospel records. Anna was a real woman who walked the earth at the dawn of man’s redemption. She lived and loved and laughed as women have done since time began. Anna had hopes and dreams similar to all women. And like many before her, Anna experienced grief and understood sorrow.

But when youthful dreams for happiness were shattered, Anna refused to allow self-pity or bitterness to pollute her character or dictate the course of her life. Instead she made the decision to pursue a most intimate relationship with the Holy One of Israel, serving day and night in His temple. God rewarded this aged widow’s exceptional devotion in a culturally uncommon manner. Anna was shown the identity of Israel's long-awaited Redeemer and she became the first woman missionary to the Jewish nation.