Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. According to Jewish law the firstborn belonged to God for priestly service (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15). This law was to be a constant reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel’s firstborn when Egypt’s firstborn perished. Since the tribe of Levi was chosen to be priests, other firstborn males could be redeemed from priestly service with five shekels (Numbers 18:16). It is likely that Jesus was not redeemed, so legally he belonged to God for priestly service. Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon to whom God had revealed that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. On the occasion of the consecration of the baby Jesus to the Lord, Simeon "came in the Spirit into the temple" (vs. 27) and he heard from God and recognized the baby as the Messiah. When you come to church "in the Spirit," meaning lead by the Spirit of God, it is much easier to hear from God and recognize and join Him in what He is doing in your life and in the lives of others.
Monday, May 17
Going to Church in the Spirit - Luke 2:22-38
Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. According to Jewish law the firstborn belonged to God for priestly service (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15). This law was to be a constant reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel’s firstborn when Egypt’s firstborn perished. Since the tribe of Levi was chosen to be priests, other firstborn males could be redeemed from priestly service with five shekels (Numbers 18:16). It is likely that Jesus was not redeemed, so legally he belonged to God for priestly service. Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon to whom God had revealed that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. On the occasion of the consecration of the baby Jesus to the Lord, Simeon "came in the Spirit into the temple" (vs. 27) and he heard from God and recognized the baby as the Messiah. When you come to church "in the Spirit," meaning lead by the Spirit of God, it is much easier to hear from God and recognize and join Him in what He is doing in your life and in the lives of others.
