THE LORD SPOKE (February 14)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 12-13

Whether we can understand the reasons for these regulations or not, there is nothing in Leviticus 12 to imply that human sexuality is “dirty,” that pregnancy is defiling, or that babies are impure. Procreation was created and commanded by God (Gen. 1:28). The law regarding the time of uncleanness after childbirth may not be something familiar to us but it certainly had a socially beneficial effect in ancient Jewish society, in that it gave the mother a period of postnatal seclusion and privacy.

After giving birth, a woman was required to bring two offerings to the Lord (Lev. 12:6).

1. She was to bring a burnt-offering - a lamb (if she was able) or a pigeon (if she was too poor to afford the larger sacrifice). This was to express her thankfulness to God for his mercy in bringing her through the dangers and the pains of child-bearing.
2. She also offered a sin-offering, which was the same for rich or poor - a dove or a pigeon - to signify that atonement is the same for both.

The link with the New Testament story of Jesus’ birth is of great significance. This law expresses, among other things, God’s concern for the poor. It is of value for us to note that God placed His own Son in a poor family rather than a family of wealth. The heir of the throne of David was born to a woman too poor to afford the cost of a lamb for the sacrifice.

When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 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." (Lk. 2:22-24)

Can we sing a “Christmas carol” in a month other than December? It seems this one fits here:

Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing;
Christ, the Babe is Lord of all!
Christ, the Babe, is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping; shepherds keeping vigil til the morning new
Saw the glory, heard the story - tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing greet the morrow;
Christ, the Babe, was born for you!
Christ, the Babe, was born for you!

Edith E.M. Reed


New Testament: Luke 1

What were Luke’s REASONS FOR WRITING? In verses 1-3a he tells us that:

1. Many other Gospels were being written and it was becoming very important to evaluate them to discern the truthfulness of each one. That still bears some importance for us today - witness the recent appearance and renewed interest in texts like the so-called “Gospel of Thomas” and the “Gospel of James”.
2. There was a need to consult the actual eyewitnesses while they were still alive. Remember, this is Dr. Luke speaking (an academic, involved in research). For example, how did he know things like what Mary “treasured up in her heart” (Lk. 2:19), except by personal conversation with her?
3. It is important to keep the accuracy and chronology of the events clear. Consequently, Luke’s is the most chronological of the four gospels.

As for the RECIPIENT OF THE WRITING (vs. 3b), Theophilus’ name means “lover of God”. Some of the suggestions to explain who this person might have been include the idea that perhaps he was:

1. some high dignitary - “most excellent” was often used for governors, etc.
2. the sponsor of the writing project
3. some “seeker” who had “been [partially] taught” (vs. 4 uses the word which is the source of catechumen, i.e. “someone who is being taught the basics of Christianity”)
4. simply some unknown believer.

Of note is the fact that Acts 1:1 also mentions Theophilus. Given the abrupt ending of Acts, was a third volume planned?

But what’s the REAL REASON WHY IT’S WRITTEN DOWN?

Luke wishes to record for us the “good news” of the Gospel that we might “know the certainty of the things [we] have been taught” (vs. 4), that is, “the things that have been fulfilled among us” (vs. 1).

This Gospel makes a rich contribution to our understanding of Jesus as the “Son of Man”. Dr. Luke’s contribution is unique in numerous ways. For example, his interest in medical matters throws light on several of Jesus’ miracles of healing. Luke’s special emphases on spirit beings, prayer, praise and rejoicing, forgiveness, poverty and wealth, and women also enrich our knowledge of Christ.

Enjoy reading this Gospel!