GPS Guide – December 30, 2019
ALL NEW THINGS
Monday
Read: Luke 2:21-24
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (NIV Luke 2:21-24)
Study: Mary and Joseph were devout Jews, and they followed the Jewish laws with regard to their newborn son Jesus (cf. Exodus 13:2, 12; Leviticus 12:8). We get a clue to the parents’ poverty in this story. Leviticus 12:8 said the reason for offering “two turtledoves or two pigeons” was “if the mother cannot afford a sheep.” It seems clear that they couldn’t. Jesus’ parents took him to be circumcised eight days after birth, like other Hebrew boys. It was a sign that even as an infant he was one of God’s people. That model is one big reason why Connect baptizes infants—it’s a sign that the child is part of God’s family. Were you baptized when very young; at a later point in your life, or never? (If never, give it some thought.) How does belonging to God shape the way you live your life?
Prayer: Lord God, sometimes I serve you in my own personal way. Sometimes I worship and act because this is the way your people have done things for centuries. Fill both kinds of service with power and meaning for me. Amen.