The Holy of Holies - 30 Days with Jesus - Day 2

Luke 2:1-52

These verses are pretty familiar to us. We read the Christmas story every year, and most of us have heard of the time when Mary and Joseph left Jesus at the temple when He was 12. But have you met Anna?

She is only mentioned in a few verses, and I've never paid much attention to her story before. But she is a woman of faithfulness. She is the definition of a Woman Active for Christ, and her story needs to be shared.

Anna was married once, for seven years. After her husband died, she spent her time at the temple, fasting and praying. She was never allowed inside the temple. Because she was a woman, she had to stay in the outer courts.

Anna didn't let her husband's death or the Jewish rules and traditions keep her from worshipping God. No matter her circumstance, status or location, she remained faithful.

And eighty four years after her husband died, Anna finally got to stand in the Holy of Holies...Anna, a widow from the tribe of Asher, was one of the first people to see the Messiah. She saw the Promised One that she had so faithfully prayed for. Because of her faithfulness, God rewarded her. He showed her His glory - not in the inner courts of the temple, but right where she stood in the outer courts.

And after she saw the Messiah, she began to share her joy with everyone that passed by.

Anna desperately wanted to feel God's presence. She didn't let circumstance or location hinder her worship.

The Holy of Holies is wherever you feel God's presence. It can be a church, it can be your car, it can be your bedroom, or it can be your favorite chair where you read your Bible. It can be anywhere, as long as you allow Him to meet you there.

Take me past the outer courts

Into the Holy Place

Past the brazen altar

Lord, I want to see Your face

Pass me by the crowds of people

And the Priests who sing Your praise

I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness

But it's only found in one place

Take me into the Holy of Holies

Take me in by the blood of the Lamb

Take me into the Holy of Holies

Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am.

"Take Me In" by Kutless

*"Take Me In" is on the album Strong Tower by Kutless