SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:21-24
Circumcision symbolized the bond between God and Abraham’s family (passed through the male seed).
A new mother giving birth to a son was unclean for 7 days; for a daughter it was 14 days (Leviticus 12).
After a cleansing time (33 days for a boy, 66 for a girl), the family presented the child to God.
A firstborn male was redeemed (‘bought back’) with an offering; this was related to the judgment against the firstborn in Egypt, for which Israel was spared.
The Law allowed for a poor man’s sacrifice, which Joseph and Mary offer, showing they were poor (Leviticus 12:8).
These are tough laws to comprehend, leading many to question and reject them (and God).
My sense is that these laws do not represent what ought to be, but what is because of sin.
We were created bonded to God, equal to each other, under God’s blessing, not judgment.
Sin has separated us from God, undermines our unity and equality, and puts us under God’s judgment (what these Laws point to).
These laws show us how twisted our world is, how messed up humanity has become, and how we desperately need God’s help.
These laws show us how God will help us, by rescuing us from the curse and judgment through the Seed (Galatians 3:15-25).
We are to blame for the curse of the Law, but God has rescued us through Jesus.
Now that Christ has done so, we are no longer under the law!
“He was born under the authority of the law. He came to set free those who were under the law.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, these Laws reveal a pretty sad, twisted, messed up world. This is not how it’s supposed to be!!! Thank You for stepping in through Jesus, to make things right. Thank You that we’re no longer under the curse of the Law.
Observations/Application
The naming of a child was special then and it is still today. What’s in a name? Also God’s handiwork. A child is a gift from the Lord and how do I recognize that fact? By their name – not by chance but with thought and prayer and praise.
We are not our own but bought with a price – Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus was brought before the Lord God to consecrate Him, so too our children need to be brought before the Lord and be dedicated to Him. All of our lives need to be of service to our living God.
No greater happiness is known for parents that their children serve the living God. They are His and He is theirs.
Prayer
Thank You Lord for Your presence in our my life. Help me each day to serve You in every way.
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
God made me specially; yes, very carefully,
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
When God made the fish, He said and it was so.
When God made the birds, He said and it was so.
But when it came to making man,
He formed him with His hands,
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made!