Day 77: The Witnessing Widow

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:36-52

Central Thought: Honor God with your life, whatever your circumstances

God views widows in a special way. In the Old Testament, He warned against those who denied widows justice (Deuteronomy 27:19) or mistreated them (Jeremiah 22:3). In the New Testament, the Church is instructed to support widows who meet certain guidelines (1Timothy 5:9,10). In today’s passage, Christ honored a widow named Anna, allowing her to see baby Jesus when his parents took Him to the temple.

The Bible’s brief description of Anna shows some marvelous qualities we would all do well to copy. For one thing, she worshiped God. Luke 2:37 describes her as an eighty-four-year-old woman who spent night and day in the temple, worshiping God through fasting and prayer.

Anna also praised God. She came up to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus just as Simeon was praising God for the arrival of Jesus and talking with His parents. When Anna realized who this child was, she began praising God (verse 38). She also witnessed, telling others about the arrival of the Messiah (verse 38).

Widowhood was difficult in Bible times. It is still difficult today. But Anna provides widows—and all the rest of us—a good example to follow. Whatever the circumstances of our lives, we can worship God, praise Him, and tell others about Him. Widowhood did not stop Anna from honoring her Lord, and God honored her in return. Do not let the difficulties of your life keep you from honoring Him. These difficult days may then prove to be the best days of your life.

Devotional Prayer: Help me honor You in every way I can each day of my life.

Today’s Bible Reading: Numbers 26:1-51; Luke 2:36-52; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 11:15