PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 2:21-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The purification rites required by the Law of Moses.” (Luke 2:22)
When you feel dirty, do you perform certain cleansing acts?
At those times do you feel God’s love, or do you feel condemnation?
The purification rites then (or baptism today) did not purify anyone.
They exposed our need for cleansing, and our need for help in doing it.
Jesus was purified and baptized as a Jew, but he did not need them.
In Jesus we see someone who refuses Satan’s lies, and stays true to God.
God sees him (after baptism) and affirmed him as a much-loved child.
Yet Jesus goes through the rituals like us, to show us the way.
“Born under the law, to redeem those under the law.” (Galatians 4:5)
Jesus is the demonstration of God’s purifying, forgiving love.
Through Jesus, God sees us as forgiven, free and restored to life!
Jesus, not baptism or cleansing rituals, assures us of God’s love.
Our challenge is to believe it, to embrace it, and to enjoy it as truth.
As I see Jesus, I can celebrate my new identity, no need for rituals.
PRAYER
Lord, I need no purification rites. Help me to believe, embrace ad enjoy the good news of your forgiving, reconciling love.
“to be consecrated to the Lord”. The firstborn male was to be dedicated to the Lord. I think of Hannah dedicating Samuel in a very big way. I think of the baptism of my children – receiving the sign of the covenant – of the water for cleansing – so my children also have been dedicated. AS believers we are all to be consecrated to the Lord’s service – even in the broadest sense as image bearers of God but even more as followers of Jesus! Mary and Joseph did what was right in terms of the laws of Moses as they offered their firstborn son to the Lord’s service. As born again believers we too are dedicated to the Lord! Often I’m not very good at it – Lord help me to be a faithful follower through your HS’s help!
Although Jesus created the world His parents still followed the requirements of the law. They were faithful in following God’s Word. And I ust do the same, teaching my children to be true to His Word and applying it to their lives. I see God’s mighty power and His servants faithful to His Word.
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, teach me Thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford, teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light, teach me Thy way!