The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2 February 2020 – TOPIC: OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMAND

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TOPIC: OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMAND

READ: LUKE 2:22 – 35 (NKJV)22. 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 Lord23. (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”),24. and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”25. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.27. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,28. he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:29. “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;30. For my eyes have seen Your salvation31. Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,32. A light to [bring] revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”33. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.34. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this [Child] is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against35. “(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”*THE MESSAGE:*Today marks the presentation of Christ in the Temple by His earthly parents. This event gave two servants of God – Simeon and Anna the opportunity of seeing the Messiah first hand. Simeon felt fulfilled and sang the Nunc Dimitis. The parents of Jesus knew what the Law said in Leviticus 12:1-4 about presentation of a male child after 40 days of purification by the woman. They offered a sacrifice according to the ability of their family – a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons (Leviticus 12:8). This indicated that Jesus belonged to a poor and humble background while here on earth. Jesus’ parents obeyed the Law totally: Jesus was thus raised in a family that obeys and fears the Lord.Are you a parent? Don’t put yourselves into bondage because of’child dedication.’ Live by your means: Your status today will not determine your status tomorrow. Keep trusting God and live in obedience to His word and your tomorrow will be better. The woman should not spend so much time in the house than necessary to get all the resources needed to present a child to God. This may deny her the privilege of fellowshipping with others. May every family emulate the example of the parents of Jesus who presented Jesus in the Temple with what they could afford in obedience to God’s directives!*PRAYER:* Oh Lord, may You help all parents to raise their children in a godly home.