Scripture: Luke 2:22-24
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Thought for the Day: Jesus is born, but within Jewish tradition, there were certain things that had to be done and there was a timetable. Mary and Joseph did what generations before them had done – they took Jesus to Jerusalem for a blessing before the Lord. It’s a little like our baby dedications at Cypress Creek Christian Church. This passage offers us some interesting information, specifically the sacrifice that was made: a pair of turtledoves. Within Judaism, there were certain sacrifices required for certain ceremonies, celebrations, community events and family occasions. According to Leviticus 14, a lengthy list of items was required for such a sacrifice, many costly items. But the scripture also gave room for someone who could not afford such a lengthy and costly list. Leviticus goes on to say, “…two turtledoves or two pigeons, whatever they can afford—one as a purification offering and the other as an entirely burned offering.” This information provides insight into Mary and Joseph, for clearly the author of the Gospel was revealing to us the financial situation of the young couple. I also believe this information was included as a reminder of how God has always been gracious. Judaism, and specifically the Old Testament, receives a bad rap as ungracious and legalistic. Rituals had the purpose of helping Judaism stand as a unique body in a culturally diverse world. No matter how specific the required sacrifice might be, there seemed to be an alternative so as not to put an undo burden on the poor, the disenfranchised or the sick. The system itself showed the same grace that God was revealing in the birth of Jesus.
Prayer: Thank you, O God of History, for remaining consistent then and now and years from now. My faith finds strength and confidence in who you are as you continue to be who you’ve always been. Amen.
