Morning everyone, this is the first post in our series about encounters with Jesus written by Andy B who you may know from the Berry Bunch Family. If you have not yet discovered the Berry Bunch then I hope you will drop by…you will be blessed.
There is something very special in this story which I hope inspires you today. It might seem slightly unusual to start with Anna’s story especially given Jesus is a tiny baby but it is a remarkable story…
Anna, patience and the excitement of Jesus Christ
I met Linford Christie one day. As I walked past him he asked me if I wanted his autograph. And, at the same event, Daley Thompson was also present – and was at the top of his career: I queued for AGES to get that autograph.
Daley Thompson was surrounded by hundreds of children waiting and Linford Christie was at a table, by himself, with people just walking by.
Same event, different reactions, same outcome – a signed autograph.
Anne the prophetess
In Luke 2 v 36 (ESV) we meet Anna. She prays, fasts and worships God and never leaves the temple – staying there indefinitely once her husband of 7 years had died. And, what we really need to know about her, is that she had been praying, fasting and worshipping God for more than 80 years – night and day – without ever leaving the temple.
As someone who struggles to pray and fast for half a day, that is astonishing. I’ve fasted a whole week a few times, but fasting across 8 decades? Both night and day? To be honest, it isn’t something I’m excited to try!
And what was her reaction to meeting Jesus?
Celebration
She’d spent 80 years in God’s presence only to meet His son for a tiny moment of time. But her next action is no surprise – she goes and meets all who were waiting nearby to speak to them. Not some…but “all of the people”!
That’s impressive whatever your age. But she was also ready for it and clearly didn’t hesitate to talk about it.
Stay ready
Anna waited, worshipped, fasted and prayed – night and day – for more than 80 years. She met Jesus for a tiny moment of time and couldn’t do anything other than share her joy “with all who were waiting.”
Meeting Daley Thompson was pretty cool. Linford Christie asking me if I wanted his autograph still makes me smile. But meeting Jesus Christ changed my life permanently!
We also need to know that we don’t have to get in a car, train or plane to share Jesus with others. Anna just walked out the door and met people waiting to hear about Jesus.
If you walked out your door, right now, who might you meet who are waiting to hear about Jesus Christ?
Would you be ready to share Jesus with them?
Would you be willing to share Jesus with them?
Andy B
Andy B is the CEO and a presenter on Pure247Radio.org – The Pure Choice


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