Scriptural text: Luke 2:36-38; Joel 2:28-32
Anna the Prophet is Devoted Totally to God (Luke 2:36-38). First of all, Anna was described as a prophetess. She is among the few women who were called prophetess in the Bible. A prophetess came from the Greek word prophetes which means “spokesman.” The function and ability of a prophetess or a prophet may vary. Some can foretell future events, interpret oracles, write poetic speeches, and serve in the temple. Whatever the ability of Anna that she attained the title, it is sure that her life has been so close to God that she was called a prophetess. She is also the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Phanuel means face of God. It is probable that this man is also a righteous man who was able to raise a godly child.
When Anna was introduced, she was already old. She has spent seven years of her life with her husband. The cause of her husband’s untimely death is not known. When she met Jesus, she was 84 years old. The highlight of Anna’s life is her devotion to God and his people. Anna’s passion was serving the Lord. Anna did not wait to get old to serve God. As a matter of fact, she spent the prime and vigor of her age to be an instrument for God. Her heart is serving. Nobody compelled or forced her to do it. But out of initiative and the willingness to be used by God, she took the noble cause of becoming a prophetess and a servant in the temple.
The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh-Including Women! (Acts 2:16-17). Peter begins his explanation of the manifestations of the Spirit that the crowds witnessed on the Day of Pentecost with the argument that it was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32. In the last days of which Joel prophesied began with the coming of Jesus into the world. Peter links the last days not with the coming of the Holy Spirit but with the entire ministry of Jesus. The ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus constitute the beginning of the final epoch in history when God acted in a decisive manner to bring salvation through His Son. According to Peter, that new age had arrived, and the Lord had begun to pour out His Spirit on all flesh, an event that would impact all sectors of society and be accompanied by wonders and signs in the sky and on earth.
Wonders and Signs of God’s Redemptive Acts (Acts 2:18-21). Joel’s prophecy speaks of male and female slaves receiving God’s Spirit and prophesying. This implies that the coming of the Holy Spirit on all people will remove all distinctions of class and caste (verse 18). Joel’s prophecy of wonders and signs was fulfilled in the events of Jesus’ death, notably in the darkening of the sun, mentioned in verse 20. Joel’s prophecy of “wonders and signs” was fulfilled in ascension of Jesus, who ascended in a cloud.