Daily Devotionals

Voice of the Lord

Devotional: 27th of Kislev

She never left the Temple grounds but worshipped there night and day, fasting and praying (Luke 2:37).

Chanah (Anna) was born in 88 B. C. E., when the memory of Maccabean victories had degenerated into political intrigue and internal conflict. When she turned 11, conditions improved as Queen Alexandra began a 9-year peaceful reign over Israel. Some years later, Chanah married and the future looked bright. Unfortunately, in 69 B. C. E., the queen died, plunging the nation into another period of conflict, as her two sons vied for power. The issue was finally settled six years later when the Romans conquered Jerusalem. Chanah's husband died, possibly among the 12,000 killed by the Romans. It would have been perfectly natural for Chanah, still young, to give herself to a new husband and begin afresh. Yet something motivated her beyond natural aspirations. Again, Israel was under foreign domination and Jerusalem was polluted by a pagan presence. Chanah desired that her people be free forever from the endless cycle of subjugation and bondage. Oh, that the redeemer would finally come to Zion! To this end, she committed herself through fasting and prayer.

Fifty-nine faithful years later, Chanah was present as Yosef (Joseph) and Miryam (Mary) carried the infant Yeshua into the Temple. "She came by at that moment and began thanking God and speaking about the child to everyone who was waiting for Yerushalayim to be liberated" (Luke 2:38).

...consider my own natural desires as nothing compared to the privilege of devoting my whole life to the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption for his people.

MM