Read Luke 2:21
In the days of the New Testament, the Jewish people had many
rituals and observances which demonstrated devotion and commitment to worship
God by faith. In this verse we read how
Jesus was circumcised, like all Jewish boys, on the eighth day after his
birth. And it was on this day that he was
given his name, Jesus.
We handle births in our day very differently.
We often have a name picked out for our
children long before they are born (of course Jesus’ name had been presented by
the angel before he had been conceived).
We usually know the sex of our child months before the child is
born. In those days, until the child
arrived no one knew for sure the sex of the child (but in Jesus’ case Mary was
told this as well).
But imagine this for a moment. For 7 days Jesus had no given name. The shepherds came and went. Joseph and Mary cared for his needs and Mary
went through the Jewish rituals of purification after childbirth.
But on day 8, in obedience to the Law, Jesus is cut. His family is to raise him by faith in
obedience to God (see Genesis 17:10). And then his name is given. Jesus. The
name given would be how the world will hear of God’s love and salvation.
This family lived by faith. Their love for God was
demonstrated in obedient trust to do things God’s way.
Your love for God is demonstrated by faith (trust and obedience). As you start this new year, will you commit to live by faith? Will you trust God to the point that what he says for your life will be your pattern of living?
