Daily Devotions
December 22nd, 2011 by Pastor SolleyLuke 2:18-24 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Something that is often overlooked is the responsibility laid upon Joseph. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, has always been God and will always be God. But in coming into this world as a baby He was placed under the authority of Joseph as well as depending upon Joseph for care, provision, and spiritual training. Who was it that brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord? Who was it that brought the sacrifice? Who was it that was responsible for the care and the training of Jesus? It was Joseph. Jesus could say in truth that He fulfilled the Law. But when He was a baby in the home of Mary and Joseph, as He was a little boy in the home, as He was a young man in the home He was under the authority of Joseph. Joseph made sure that his home was a spiritual home, that his home was a Godly home, that his home was a home after the Word and mind of God. Joseph had a great responsibility. Christian parents need to be responsible for their home, are responsible for their home before God today. Wouldn’t it be better to teach your children about Jesus Christ at Christmas instead of Santa? Be responsible.