God’s Miracles From Small Actions: A 4-Part DevotionНамуна

Day 2: Following the rules

Read:Luke 2:22­–40

Reflect: After Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph do what Hebrew parents have done for thousands of years: Follow the Law of Moses concerning the rites of purification (see Leviticus 12). This decision may seem so integral to their faith — so automatic — that we can fail to notice the significance it carries. By choosing to keep these practices, Mary and Joseph are beginning the faithful work of raising their son according to the Scriptures, affirming Jesus’ place among the Israelites — the people through whom God enacts His work of salvation.

What they don’t know is how this customary choice will become a key moment in God’s surprising redemption story. When they take Jesus to the temple, Mary and Joseph meet Simeon and Anna, who prophesy that Jesus is the Christ. The parents marvel as Jesus is declared God’s plan of salvation for all nations. Furthermore, in Simeon’s meeting of Jesus, God fulfills His promise that Simeon would not die before seeing the Messiah.

All this happened because Mary and Joseph chose to do what God’s Law commanded of them. No doubt, Mary and Joseph would continue to make typical parental choices as they raised Jesus — and in doing so, unknowingly help fulfill hundreds of years of prophecy about the Savior of the world.

Consider: What ordinary rule have you followed that may have had a larger impact on your life than you initially realized?