The Gospel of Luke 2:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22-24 KJV).

Even though the Lord Jesus Christ created this world (John 1:1), He came and lived within the bounds of this world. Being born under the covenant of the law given through Moses, He lived to fulfill the demands of if by the supply of His grace in perfect obedience even unto death (Philippians 2:8). His physical parents followed the requirements of the Old Testament commands and had Him circumcised. After Mary's 40-day maternity purification period, she and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple where they went through the ceremony of dedication for Him, since He was male and firstborn child.

Their offering of birds rather than a lamb indicates their status as underprivileged in material things of the world. Luke makes clear that these family were materially poor, but devout, obedient and faithful. Yet the hope of all the world came through them. Hence, to this day of the Lord’s accomplished work, when people recognize they are not above God's call to obedience and when they are faithful and submit to the Lord’s grace, salvation come upon their house. Like Zacchaeus, who recognize he needed grace, the Lord Jesus declared: “today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9).

This story is not about the power of the high and mighty of the day, but about ordinary folks who were faithful to the Almighty! It is about dependence on the Creator as sovereign in our lives. It is not dependence on possessions. It is about dependence on the One who can possess us through the purchase by His blood. He is the One who can hold us by His hand and no one can snatch us out of it. The Lord Jesus thirty plus years later declares this assurance: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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