Morning Message: Dress Rehearsal

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Dress Rehearsal"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Now that we have undertaken a Prophecy Update Series, things are heating up around the world. Venezuela, Switzerland, and Iran are in the news this week. Scour the news sites to stay abreast of current events, and more so, current events that will impact our faith and understanding of Bible Prophesy. Our faith might be challenged at times.

The world events impact the overall role of Almighty God in the lives of His Creation. He will remain faithful to all generations, but it might require specific changes to keep mankind within His will. And if changes occur, they will always be part of God’s will. Just because we didn’t see something coming, does not mean that He didn’t either. He is all-knowing; we are not.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13: 32). Others think those days are far off in the distance. And some even think we are in the midst of them. Jesus taught that the Father knows His own timetable, and not even the Son knows. What that means might seem confusing, but the Father is truly the mind of God; the Son of the Father is that second person of the Trinity, the Word of God, who also acts out the word of God in the physical realm, and the Holy Spirit is Him Who acts to motivate the Son to the will of the Father. This third person of the Trinity also indwells the heart of every believer. This is the cohesiveness of our great Triune God: Three Persons all acting in union with one another, to perform His will.

I speak in terms of God’s consistency, and of His flexibility to be able to accomplish great things. The Virgin Birth itself is a prime example of this. Keep your eye on Jesus; His plan is the Father’s, and Jesus remains flexible to it.

~ John 14: 20 ~

“At that day, ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” - John 14:20

“That they all may be as one; as Thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world might believe that Thou hast sent Me.” - John 17:21

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:17-23 - Dress Rehearsal

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In this Prophecy Update Series, we are looking at what Ezekiel saw for Israel and the nations in the last days, we've seen that God has some pretty big events in store! God will make His name known in the last days to the nation of Israel and the nations of the world. Now that is pretty exciting! The Western nations especially live in a post-modern, post-Christian world. The thought of God is often mocked, ignored or not seen as relevant in this day. Yet God has events in store where He will, on a global stage, make His name known again.

Ezekiel 38 and 39 are well-studied chapters amongst Bible prophecy students. Ezekiel foretells of a supernatural war that is coming. It will be one that threatens the very existence of Israel as a nation. Even before drilling down into some of the details it is interesting to note the placement of these Gog and Magog chapters. Chapter 37 speaks of Israel being regathered from their 'graves' in the nations and becoming a nation again in their own land. It was the famous 'dry bones' chapter, and its fulfillment began with Israel becoming a nation again in 1948. Ezekiel 40-48 speaks of the Millennial Kingdom when Jesus shall rule and reign from Jerusalem after His return. But squeezed in between these two book ends are Ezekiel 38 and 39. The position of these chapters show us the timing of these events - The Gog and Magog war will occur somewhere between Israel becoming a nation again and the return of Jesus. And, as we have already seen in our study last week, the players involved in this war are seriously moving into position in our day.

To sum up, Ezekiel 38 and 39 speaks of a coming alliance of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and possibly Germany. Russia and Turkey will descend upon Israel from the north. Iran will come from the east. Libya from the southwest. Sudan and Somalia will rush from the south. Israel will be entirely circled by some of the greatest threats and military powers that the world currently knows.

The main players being Russia, Iran and Turkey... It is VERY interesting that these countries are coming together today, strengthening military and financial alliances at the current time. The war in Syria over the last few years have seen Russia and Iran draw closer in a joint effort to control the Middle East. Turkey, while a NATO member and supposedly aligned with the West, has in recent years been moving in the other direction. Under the near dictatorship of President Erdogan, Turkey has been moving from a secular society to an Islamic one. Their alliance with the West has been waning while its ties to Russia deepen.

Now we don't interpret Bible prophecy by current events for things can move quickly and in unexpected directions. But it is interesting to see this Russian - Iranian - Turkish alliance as the Bible predicts. The other nations mentioned such as Libya, Somalia and Sudan are certainly no friends of Israel today either. They are all hotbeds of Islamic fundamentalism and strongly anti-Israel.

In verses 10-16, Ezekiel explained why these nations are going to come against Israel. Given the increasing anti-Semitism in the world today, it is not hard to see these nations wanting to destroy Israel. Iran especially is famous for its constant decrees and threats of destroying the Jewish nation and driving them into the sea. We have seen this 'everlasting hatred' mentioned in previous chapters of Ezekiel. But hatred ISN'T the primary reason given for this invasion. It is something less spiritual and far more material... MONEY! Ezekiel prophesied that thoughts would come into Gog's mind and he will device an evil plan. The reason for the invasion is to 'capture spoil' and 'seize plunder'. What are those spoils? Perhaps the vast oil supply that was found, or the abundant wealth from the minerals of the dead sea. Wherever the riches come from, it will be a strong enough hook in the jaw of Gog that will draw him out of his own country to invade, destroy and plunder another sovereign nation. There is of course one small problem... The nation that Gog has decided to invade, Israel, will be under the protection of the God of Israel!

This week we will be looking at Ezekiel 38:17-23. What will God do? With the coalition army surrounding Israel, and with no hope in sight for the nation of Israel, Yahweh, the God of Israel will act. Though the enemy will cover the land like a storm, and with certain victory within their grasp, they shall come to the same fate that the Egyptians experienced when the closed in on Israel at the Red Sea. As the scripture says, "Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever." - Psalms 121:4-8

Sunday Morning Audio Message: Upcoming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Are you he? (38:17) - God's foreknowledge. This verse is a prophetic question from God in the Bible, asking an enemy leader (Gog) "Are you the one I spoke about in former times through my servants, the prophets of Israel, who for years prophesied that I would bring you against them?". This refers to the general references to this time and the participants (cf. Joel 3:9-17; Amos 5:11, 23; Zephaniah 3:8).  Even Daniel (Daniel 2:41;44) referred to this time at least three decades prior to Ezekiel 38.  The nature of the question presupposes that the previous generalities are now being particularized in the person of Gog.

My fury will show (38:18-23) - God's patience will be exhausted with the repeated attempts to annihilate Israel since the "abomination" by Antichrist (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), and He will employ a great earthquake in Israel; panic will seize the invading soldiers (verse 21), who will turn and use their weapons against one another (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:22, 23).  He will further decimate the invading ranks by pestilence, a deluge of rain, large hailstones, plus fire and brimstone.  The descriptions here are identical to that of the last half of the seven-year Tribulation in Revelation 6:12-17; 11:19; 16:17-21; 19:11-21.

Morning Message - "A Ruinous Heap"

Bobservations' Column

Titled - Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:1-8 - "A Ruinous Heap"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Many are wondering what lays ahead for us in the year ahead, and the future, in general. Matthew 24 and Luke 21 speak of the end times and describes the social, political, climatic, and even financial troubles that will plague all the Earth at that time. Matthew also says this: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Mt. 24:6)

If we think the last several years have been bad, the Gospels tell us that things will get much worse. But there’s more. We see what is happening in our own countries, wherever we may live. There are certainly wars and rumors of wars all over the world, but we must not overlook a singular fact that tends to get overlooked regularly: Bible prophecy has everything to do with the nation of Israel, and the Jewish people. It is God dealing with God’s People!

What we see happening around the rest of the world can become very personal as it affects us, and it definitely does have an effect on us. Many things in this wicked world are tragic, and there’s no denying that fact. But the Lord has told us, “...the end is not yet.” The Nation-State of Israel and the Jewish people have always been the focal point of Bible Prophecy, and they always will be.

We frequently gasp when we hear in the media about the problems in the Middle East, and that’s as it should be, because that is where Israel is located. It is also where the nations that will ultimately attack Israel are also located. Pay attention to Middle East News, and then filter it through His promises to the Jews, AND to His Church! God is always faithful to His word!

Since His church has been adopted into the inheritance of His Chosen People (Galatians 4: 5), then He will be as faithful to His Church, as He has always been to the Jewish people. So instead of shrinking in fear, let us think about God’s faithfulness to all generations. During various times of danger described in the Gospels, when Jesus appears to His Disciples and followers, His words are as comforting to them, as they should be to us: “Fear Not.”

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4: 19

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:1-8 - "A Ruinous Heap"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Ezekiel 38:1-8 prophesies an end-times invasion of Israel by a powerful coalition led by Gog of Magog, a ruler from the far north (often associated with modern-day Russia/Turkey region), drawing many nations like Persia, Cush, and Put (Libya) into an attack on a peaceful, unwalled Israel. God declares He is against Gog, promising to put hooks in his jaws to lure him, along with his vast armies, into a trap to invade Israel, setting the stage for God's dramatic judgment and the revelation of His power.

Key Points in Ezekiel 38:1-8

• Gog's Identity: God identifies Gog as the chief prince of "Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal" (likely northern regions) and a leader from "the land of Magog" (a northern land).
• The Call to Prophesy: God tells Ezekiel to prophesy against Gog, indicating divine opposition to this future enemy.
• The Lure: God says He will "put hooks in your jaws" and bring Gog and his massive confederation against Israel, drawing them into a devastating conflict.
• The Target: Gog's plan is to attack "a land of unwalled villages," a peaceful, unsuspecting Israel that has been restored and gathered from the nations.
• The Coalition: Gog will bring many allies (Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, Togarmah, etc.) from various directions to attack Israel.
• Divine Purpose: God's intervention isn't just to save Israel but also so "the heathen may know me," revealing His sovereignty through the destruction of His enemies.

In essence, this passage sets up the great battle where God Himself orchestrates the invasion of Israel by Gog and his allies, only to unleash His fury and defeat them utterly, proving He is the Lord.

Please Note:  As we get into this prophecy series, a map of the Middle East is provided here for you.  In Ezekiel 38, the Lord revealed a ten–nation coalition that will assemble in the Last Days. The names and places that Ezekiel describes are foreign to us today, but a closer look at Scripture and history will help us translate these into modern times. These are the countries that we will be talking about in our Prophecy Series.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Against Gog (38:2) - This name is found in 1 Chronicles 5:4, a general title for an enemy of God's people.   Gog most likely carries the idea of "high" or "supreme one," based on the comparison in Numbers 24:7.  It refers to a person, described as a prince form the land of Magog, who is the final Antichrist (Revelation 20:8). These titles are used symbolically of the final world uprising against Jerusalem, its people, and Messiah King.  This attack comes not just from the north, but from the four corners of the world, as a world of sinners at the end of one-thousand-year kingdom come to fight the saints in the "beloved city" of Jerusalem.  On that occasion, there is only one weapon used - divine fire.  This is the climax to the last battle with Satan and his armies, whose eternal destiny is set.  It is followed by the final judgment of all the ungodly before the Lord (Revelation 20:11-15) and the creation of the eternal, sinless state (Revelation 21:1).

Magog (38:2) - Modern day Russia. Some see this people as derived from Japheth (Genesis 10:2), later called the Scythians.  Others propose a people in southeast Anatolia, later known as Asiatic people such as the Mongols and Huns.  Others see Magog as an overall term for barbarians, north of Palestine, around the Caspian and Black Seas. Magog seems to be used to refer to "northern barbarians" in general, but likely also has a connection to Magog the person. The people of Magog are described as skilled warriors (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:3-9).

The Prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal (38:2) - This should be translated "chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" because: (1) Rosh (more than 600 times) in the Hebrew Old Testament is an adjective, "chief," often in reference to the "chef priest" (2 Kings 25:18); (2) most ancient versions took it to mean "chief" or "head"; and (3) in all places other than chapters 38 and 39 where both Meshech and Tubal are mentioned, Rosh is not listed as a third people. The word rosh describes the greatness of the prince, not a place where the prince rules.

Meshech, and Tubal (38:2) - Two peoples were recognized on ancient Assyrian monuments: one called Mushki (Mushku) and the other Tubali (Tabal).  Both were in Asia Minor, the area of Magog, modern-day Turkey.  In summary, a chief prince, who is the enemy of God's people, will lead a coalition of nations against Jerusalem.  The details of this enemy force and its destruction are given by Ezekiel in the rest of chapters 38 and 39.

I Will . . . Put Hooks Into Thy Jaws (38:4) - Just as God used Assyria (Isaiah 8) and Babylon (21:10) as human invaders for His judgments, He aims to use this army.  Here, He brings the invaders to Palestine so that He may visit judgment (vs. 8) on the invaders themselves (38:18-23; 39:1-10).  He, thus, uses the language of hooks in the jaws, as in judging Egypt (29:4).  From the aggressors' perspective, they think that it is their plan only to seize the spoil which draws them to Palestine (vv 11, 12). 

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya (38:5) - The invasion involves a coalition of powers form the east and the south of Palestine.  Persia is modern Iran, Libya is in north Africa, west of Egypt, and Ethiopia is south of Egypt.

Gomer (38:6) - Today the area is Armenia/Turkey which also was known as Cappadocia, having a people called Gomer in Assyrian inscriptions.

Togarmah (38:6) - Today's eastern Turkey.

Ezekiel 38:7, 8 - Describes the great time of Israel's cleansing, salvation, and spiritual life, getting them ready for Messiah's return and kingdom.

In the Latter Years (38:8) - In the context of Israel's restoration (Ezekial 34-39), the invaders will make their final bid for the land.

Brought Back From the Sword (38:8) - This refers to Israelites who have been returned to their land, after the sword had killed or scattered many of their people.  the Hebrew word for brought back means "to return" or restore" (Genesis 40:13; 41:13).

Gathered (38:8) - This word also frequently refers to God's final regathering of Israel (37:21; Isaiah 11:12; 43:5; Jeremiah 32:37).  It has begun historically and will continue until the latter days.  In the final millennial kingdom, there will occur the full national and spiritual regathering, when all Israel is saved to enter their promised kingdom. (cf. Zechariah 12-14; romans 11:25-27).

Dwell Safely (38:8) - This term occurs in several contexts devoted to the Israelites blessed estate after God has brought them back to their land (28:26; 34:25, 28; 39:26; Jeremiah 32:37; Zechariah 14:11).

Morning Message: The Hearers of God

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Hearers of God"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Mid-week after Christmas, today’s passage focuses on a few of those that have heard the voice of God, and other “Announcers,” like Gabriel, an Angel whose ear was held by Almighty God. We know about God directing him to Daniel in Babylon. Gabriel carried messages of the highest importance.

God’s plans for Messiah His only begotten Son, were what we read of last week from Luke’s Gospel. Gabriel’s revelations were to a young Jewish virgin named Mary, right after Elizabeth and Zacharias learned of their roles in God’s plan. Gabriel’s part in God’s plan to save His people is remarkable. But Gabriel isn’t alone, as we read of Simeon, and Anna, we see a less dramatic style of God revealing His plan to them.

Simeon had asked God to keep him alive until he could see His Salvation. And the widow Anna saw God as her husbandman after her loving husband had passed from this earthly life. At eighty-four years old, she served God with prayer and daily fastings. Regular worshippers just saw her as always being at Temple when they would visit weekly. Anna was there devotedly, seeking after the Lord, without fanfare.

Simeon, was likely there daily too, looking with hope at every child that came through the doors of the Temple. Along with Anna, he sought after the Lord, awaiting the arrival of the One who was to inherit the Throne of David the King. His kingdom is to have no end. Christmas celebrations are not reserved for December 25th; they are meant for every day of our lives. Since we don’t know the date of His birth, it makes sense that our faith is sufficient to get us through our time on Earth, to the day of His call to come home.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus while here on Earth, were observant Jews, keeping the Laws of the ages. Keeping the Commandments to the best of our ability should bring us closer to the Savior. As we rejoice in His birth, and keep the rejoicing going throughout the New Year!

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 1:20-21

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Luke 2:20-40 - "The Hearers of God"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we continue the gospel message of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ from Luke chapter 2, the writer narrates Jesus's presentation at the Temple, where the devout Simeon and prophetess Anna recognize him as the promised Messiah, foretelling his role as a light to all nations, while also highlighting the humble birth in Bethlehem (vv. 2-20) and Jesus's early growth, culminating in the significant event where the twelve-year-old Jesus stays in the Temple, declaring, "I must be in my Father's house," revealing his divine identity and mission to his earthly parents. The "hearers of God" in this passage are figures like the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna, who are attuned to divine revelation, receiving angelic messages or being led by the Spirit to recognize and proclaim Jesus as the long-awaited Savior, demonstrating that God speaks to the humble and faithful, not just the powerful.

The Hearers of God in Luke 2 - 

• Shepherds: The first to hear the angelic announcement, they represent the humble, overlooked people who God calls to witness the Messiah.
• Simeon: A devout, righteous man who had been promised he wouldn't die before seeing the Messiah, demonstrating God's faithfulness and revealing the Messiah's universal purpose.
• Anna: An aged, prayerful prophetess who confirms Simeon's message, showing that God's Spirit works through both men and women, young and old, to reveal Christ.
• Mary: Though the mother, she is also a hearer, "pondering these things in her heart," as she receives divine revelations and prophecies about her son, showing even close family must receive the message. 

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Eight Days (2:21) - In accord with God's commandment (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:1-3; cf. Philippians 3:5), it had become customary to name a child at circumcision. 

Her Purification (2:22) - A woman who bore a son was ceremonially unclean for forty days.  After that she was to offer a yearling lamb and a dove or pigeon (Leviticus 12:6).  If poor, she could offer two doves or pigeons (Leviticus 12:8).  Mary's offering indicates that she and Joseph were poor (vs. 24).

To Jerusalem (2:22) - A journey of about six miles from Bethlehem.

To Present Him to the Lord (2:22) - The dedication of the firstborn son was also required by Moses' Law (vs. 23, cf. Exodus 13:2, 12-15).

A Pair of Turtledoves (2:24) - quotes from Leviticus 12:8.

Simeon (2:25) - Simeon’s reputation was that of being “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). For generations the people of God waited for and expected a Messiah, a Savior. Simeon was like his fellow Israelites in that he waited “for the consolation of Israel” (verse 25). The concept of consolation implies comfort. The nation of Israel was waiting for God’s comfort, expecting that He would come and rescue them (Luke 23:50–51; Mark 15:43; Acts 10:22), just as He had done in delivering them from slavery and bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 14). Simeon was unique in what he knew—namely, that he would see the Messiah with his own eyes, for “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah” (Luke 2:26).
Joseph and Mary, in faithfulness to the Law, traveled to Jerusalem while Jesus was still an infant to present Him to God in the temple (Luke 2:22; cf. Exodus 13:1–2). It is during their visit to the temple that Simeon saw Jesus, the long-awaited “consolation of Israel.” We don’t know how long Simeon had waited, but we do know that he was led by the Spirit to go to the temple that day, and he recognized Jesus the moment he saw Him.
Simeon’s words assert that 1) Jesus would be the salvation of the world, 2) He would deliver truth not only to those in Israel but also to the Gentiles, and 3) Jesus would bring glory upon the people of Israel. Luke records that Jesus’ parents “marveled at what was said about him” (Luke 2:33).
Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus’ mother. Simeon said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34). In this prophecy, Simeon said that 1) some of the Jewish people would believe that Jesus is the “consolation of Israel,” and some would not, 2) there would be much opposition to Jesus in the future, 3) Jesus would reveal the truth, and 4) Jesus’ suffering would cause Mary much pain, personally.
Simeon stands as a testimony of how we, too, should anticipate the arrival of the Messiah. Simeon looked forward to Christ’s first coming, and we anticipate His second coming (see Acts 1:11 and Titus 2:13).

The Consolation of Israel (2:25) - A messianic title, evidently derived from verses like Isaiah 25:9; 40:1, 2; 66:1-11.  The concept of consolation implies comfort. The nation of Israel was waiting for God’s comfort, expecting that He would come and rescue them (Luke 23:50–51; Mark 15:43; Acts 10:22), just as He had done in delivering them from slavery and bringing them out of Egypt (Exodus 14). 

Revealed unto Him (2:26) - It is significant that with messianic expectation running so high (cf. 3:15), and with the many Old Testament prophecies that spoke of His coming, still only a handful of people realized the significance of Christ's birth.  Most o them, including Simeon, received some angelic message or other special revelation to make the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies clear.

"Simeon's Psalm" (2:29-32) - Simenon's psalm is known as the Nunc Dimittis, from the first two words of the Latin translation.  It is the fourth of five psalms of praise Luke included in his birth narrative.  It is a touching expression of Simeon's extraordinary faith. 

Thy Salvation (2:30) - The One who would redeem His people from their sins.

All People (2:31) - All nations, tongues, and tribes (cf. Revelation 7:9) - both Israel and the Gentiles (vs. 32).

Fall and Rising Again of Many in Israel (2:34) - To those who reject Him, He is a stone of stumbling (1 Peter 2:8); those who receive Him are raised up (Ephesians 2:6).  Cf. Isaiah 8:14, 15; Hosea 14:9; 1 Corinthians 1:23, 24.

Spoken Against (2:34) - This was synecdoche.  Simeon mentioned only the verbal insults hurled at Christ, but the expression actually embraced more than that - Israel's rejection, hatred, and crucifixion of the Messian.

A Sword (2:35) - This was undoubtedly a reference to the personal grief Mary would endure when she watched her own Son die in agony (John 19:25).

Thoughts of Many Hearts...Revealed (2:35) - The rejection of the Messiah would reveal the appalling truth about the apostate state of the Jews.

Anna. . .Prophetess (2:36) - Anna is mentioned in the Bible as a prophetess and one of the people connected to Jesus’ childhood. She was the daughter of Penuel from the tribe of Asher. Her name, which she shares with Hannah in the Old Testament, means “favor” or “grace.” All we know of her is found in three verses in the New Testament book of Luke. When Anna encounters the infant Jesus in the temple, we see that her life is indeed overflowing with favor and grace.
Anna is among only a handful of women in the Bible bearing the title “prophetess.” The others are Miriam, the sister of Moses (Exodus 15:20); Deborah, the judge (Judges 4:4); Huldah, the wife of Shallum (2 Chronicles 34:22); Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3); and Philip’s four unmarried daughters (Acts 21:9).
Anna had been married only seven years when she became a widow, and she remained a widow for the rest of her life. Most translations indicate that Anna was eighty-four years old when she met Jesus. But it is also possible to translate the text to mean Anna had lived eighty-four years after her husband died. That would mean Anna was at least 104 years old—if she had married at the age of thirteen. Either way, she had spent the vast majority of her life without a husband and was ministering before the Lord in the temple.
After becoming a widow, Anna dedicated herself wholly to the Lord. She never left the temple in Jerusalem but spent her time worshiping, fasting, and praying. It is possible that Anna was given living quarters at the temple because of her designation as prophetess, or she may have lived close by. What stands out is that her devotion was constant for the majority of her life, and her devotion was rewarded with an encounter with her Savior. Her many years of sacrifice and service were worth it all when she beheld the Messiah, the One for whom she had waited so long.