03.21.2016 New Testament: Luke 2.22–24

To read the Bible in a year, read Luke 2.1–24 on March 21, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Joseph and Mary obeyed the Law of Moses, and since Jesus was their firstborn, the Law said that the parents had to present such a male to the Lord,

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (Luke 2.22–24).

They made this special presentation of Jesus to the Lord, and their presentation shows that they could not afford the more expensive sacrifice, so they had to offer the birds instead. They were a newlywed couple, and they often do not have much money, and that could have been part of the situation, and whether they remained poor, we do not know.

However, they did not let their financial situation keep them from obeying the Lord as He had revealed His wishes through Moses.

Questions:

• Have you determined to obey the Lord whatever your circumstances are?
• Have there been times that it was difficult?
• Do you know that the Lord saw what you did, and that He will bless you for it?