In the Right place at the correct time
Anna : In The Right Place At The Correct Time
There is a woman mentioned in the The Book of Luke chapter two in the New Testament of the Bible that I would like to discuss. There are very few verses that are actually dedicated to her story. In reading the written text you could miss the significance of her life and that of her testimony.
We will start the at the beginning of what we given in this text, her story is hidden and the beginning of her story has played an significant part in determining the end of her story. The small degree of information we are given about this woman whos name was Anna. As we ponder and reflect upon what we read in the book of Luke we asking the spirit of truth to help us understand the concept of how events are being woven together for a specific purpose that has been defined by our creator. A convergent point where all comes together to manifest power and the glory of Yah's revelation of himself to us. A point in life, in time where we start to understand that the experiences of our past, our prior choices and actions we have made have taken us down the path where we were moved from one level of growth to another. One level of spiritual learning to another that moves us to a deeper realization of who Yahweh is and provides for us with confirmation so that we can develop trust, faith and hope with in our personal relationship to God. One significant place in time can reveal truth and give us directions that will alter and confirm and change the course of events for for our lives and can also have a profound effect on all mankind. A place that we have been directed to through our obedience and our willingness to act and live as our Creator has subscribed according to the plans he has for each of us. With each experience, in every moment and in every interaction we are forced to grow, to expand our heart and way of thinking. We see that all things are skillfully molded together so that we can embrace the life that has been given to each us. To experience and face those next and future events that are to come with hope and courage because we have learned that our Heavenly Father is with us. That he is active and present in the lives of his people. Through this we learn that all things, peoples, and events that we experience throughout the course of our lives are not random, all are connected and all are intertwined together like a beautiful tapestry. These combinations of events, moments, practices and experiences are constructed to help us grow, see, and experience the truth. To help us develop so that we can be ready and prepared to bear witness to the movement and presence of the Spirit of Truth that dwells among men. A point where we slow down and understand the how and the why of what we have gone through and experienced. Then to examine how these things have currently changed us. That these experiences become part of our personal history that has prepared us for the next steps of our unknown journey. Teaching each of us that we can embrace the the trials and victories of our uncertain future. But not only that we are given wisdom to understand the mysteries that have been hidden though the ages. We reap the harvest in being able to understand the truth, the glory and the wonder of what exactly it is that our Heavenly Father has actually done for us. This is important because this is where our relationship with our creator is developed. As his chosen people we can see that he has not forsaken us, but has been faithful and has kept his word concerning us. That his word is true and can be trusted. What he has spoken will be manifested on the earth and there is no force that can stop or change his original plan for his creation which includes his chosen people.
To help us understand this let us begin by reading the following text found in Luke chapter 2
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law; Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
In reading the above scripters, we can glean a few facts that given to us. We can get an understanding of how things work in the background of what we cannot see or are aware of. Yahweh gives us a glimpse of what he is doing for us! We are able to observe the grandeur and the magnificent of his power of his perfect plan. In the texted we read about the precious gift that Yah has given to us his people. His precious son. We read that Anna was able to bear witness to his arrival. These scriptures reveal to us that in the background God's plan is always at work. This knowledge leads us to a deeper understanding and when applied to our lives we have wisdom.
As, Joseph and Mary moved in obedience to the laws of God and walk out the specific plan that was laid out for their lives, they enter a journey of disclosure. Learning as they move from day to day, learning more of what it is to trust in an unseen god. Each person living out their earthly experience without full understanding, or full knowledge of what is to come. Of what it all means in the scheme of things. True to their future as their future unfolds. These two individuals traveled on an unknown and uncertain path, they with their precious newborn, moved together towards a single point. A precise time and place in history. This point was not foreseen by any who experienced our heavenly father's wonder on that specific day. A day that was designated before the foundations of the earth. Each person doing what they do, living holy lives and allowing the the Spirit of Yahweh to influence their very steps in simple untested ways. Obeying and loving their creator with out pretense. We read of them putting their beliefs into actions by acting in accordance to inward call, a word from the inward voice of Yahweh. A spoken word and written promise that had been given to each person concerning his or hers own personal life. A Convergence of the perfect will, plan, and purposes of Yahweh. In this passage we will become aware that even when we do see the whole picture concerning the things involving and surrounding us we can still rest and be at peace. To know that he is one thing that we can depend on God no matter what path we are traveling. To have the hope and courage to face the end of that path. To come to expect that we cannot even imagine the end results of our journey. Yah's ways are always much higher and bigger than the things we can visualize in our mind.
Let's see how this truth unfold for this woman called Anna.
"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
According to public reading sources In the Book of Enoch the name of Phanuel is mentioned associated with the "Four Angels of Presence. Phanuel's duties include bearing up God's throne, ministering Truth, and serving as an angel of judgement. Furthermore, as The Book of Enoch attests, Phanuel is the angel of repentance unto hope of those who have inherited eternal life. "
The father of Anna, the prophetess of the tribe of Asher was named Phanuel
Phanuel: Face or vision of God (face of God)
Definition Details
Strong's Number: G5323
Greek Base Word: Φανουήλ
Usage: Phanuel
Literally: the face of God
Definition: Phanuel (i.e., Penuel), an Israelite.
Detailed definition: The father of Anna, the prophetess of the tribe of Asher.
Found in verse 36 we are introduced to a rare woman named Anna, and although there are only a total of four verses dedicated to this event I find that they are packed with heavenly jewels that will enable us to be happy and blessed. In her introduction we are give a few clues. Let us explore these clues to find the the truth and then apply what we learn so that we may be happy and blessed in every l situation presented to us in life.
We are given her tribal name of "Asher". In the Hebrew language Asher means "happy, and blessed". Lets take a look at these two words to get a understanding of how this information can change and transform our lives.
"Happy" is defined as: Glad, joyful, pleased, cheerful, merry, and gay.
From theses words we get the sense that we are dealing with an upbeat person who is high on positive energy. A person who is truly content with their life. A person who is internally influenced by a powerful source that is able to change and maintain their view on life. They draw their strength from within themselves from what they have have chosen, learned, and pursued. These types of people learn To rewrite the perception of the external information and stimuli given to them through what they see, hear, taste, smell, and physically feel. They learn not to be influenced by what is externally perceived, but is inwardly stabilized by the breath of God that fluences their pattern of thoughts and keeps them anchored and focused on the truth found in every situation. This enables them to make make the best choices knowing that their heavenly father is always there guiding and directing them. This ability is a spiritual gift that is given through the Spirit of Truth. They seek the truth, evaluating what is not seen. These faithful few have an inward knowledge that there is much more to life than what is experienced through our five physical senses. They have tapped into the spiritual realm where Yahweh dwells.
These happy and blessed people have tuned into the spiritual world and have learned to hear and act on what they are hearing from the voice of wisdom, which dwells on the inside of them. These select people are those in society that do not follow the movement and the voice of the crowds. They have learn to allow this ancient voice, his holy way through holy spirit to influence and reveal the secrets of the Spirit that guides them into a place of great reward. To have and function in a state of peace., so that the the inward things, the spiritual things, overflow from the heart of our Creator into their common and sometimes ordinary lives. They are happy because their daily helper, their source power is given along each step of the way in their journey of life. To them is given acts, signs and wonders that may be large or small, visible or invisible to others around them. Yah's influence become personal and sometime private. But are a statement of Yah's faithfulness to his people, each one of us as individuals. We are spiritual beings having an earthly physical experience. This text should help us examine how and what we should pursue in life and enlighten us so that we may chose the things that bring us wisdom, happiness and peace.
The truth of our heavenly father's words and promises that are constantly being fulfilled and seen in the lives of his people. This truth which are the promises spoken to us through the words of a living God that are given to us to help us understand the movement and the nature of the one who created us. Along with his spirit that he has placed within us, He has given us understanding and wisdom so that we may recognize, see and know the seasons of times we are living in; and to comprehend the significances of those seasons are, what they are, and the things they are telling us. The wisdom to act accordingly to our current situation and to trust the outcome of our actions and how they will effects the path and destiny of our uncertain but certain future. The ability to tune into the unseen things and then respond with a happy and joyous mindset will change the direction of our present and future next steps. Those who are in the right place take advantage of operating in the right mind and in the right time.
The next word found in the definition of Anna's tribal name is "blessed". Let us explore what this often used word "blessed" is define in the Bible.
The word blessed according to "Dictionary.com" is " a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness." or "approval or good wishes."
The Hebrew meaning of blessed according to Strong's concordance is: "Happy, fortunate, happier ,to kneel, benediction: by implication prosperity, to be straight, honest, to speak well of, supremely blest."
This experience of "supremely blest" is the constant state of existences I can say that I am daily looking to.. The convergence point in my life where I can say look at my situations, all of my concerns and look inward and say "All is well and as it should be according to my life's purpose so that I may bring honor to my creator." Because blessed people have heard the Father's words deep in their hearts, mind, and soul; and have come to a single point of focus.
This woman Anna dedicated her self to a life of seeking her savior. A life of prayer and fasting. I would imagine that these acts of of worship were done in private. Not noticed by the masses. Behind closed doors Anna developed her relationship to her heavenly father. I can also imagine that there were times in this widow's life that where filled with trials and hardship, confusion and dismay and this is where she saw and learned of the faithfulness of Yahweh.
We are living in changing, perilous times. It is a convergent point. Trust, have hope!
