Purification

In yesterday’s meditation, we were told that our direct focus would be on three living images of light, as illuminated by this Bible Verse. 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. Luke 2: 22      

We were also given a hint that our focus would be on the Baby Jesus and His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary. On this second day of our Covenant Week, our living image of light, as illuminated by the Bible text, is Mary.

Holy Spirit, Counsellor, Teacher, Guide,

Reveal to me all that I am to know,

Remove from me all of my sinful pride,

The sin that easily besets me so. 

Amen!

We follow on, assured of perfect guidance in correct and right covenant-making and covenant-keeping. A very important and significant fact is that the Law of Moses is upheld by Jesus’ parents, who have to ensure that they are perfectly clean and fit, to take the child Jesus to the temple to be offered to God. In other words, they are not to offer their child, their Gift of God to the Lord, without His Mother Mary, being purified. This important action of purification is done, first and foremost because it is the requirement of the law for all parents bringing their firstborn sons. You must understand clearly that this action is not done because the parents have done some wrong and need cleansing, nor is it done because they think they are guilty of some sin. No! This is the requirement of all parents, regardless of who they are. 

What gift has God given to you that you want to consecrate to Him in Covenant time? What is there that you know you need to consecrate or dedicate to the Lord?  To offer this ‘Gift of God’ back to Him is pleasing in His eyes, but without your purification, the Lord cannot accept your offering. Just as the spotlight, if you will, was upon Joseph and Mary for a time, as they went through the disciplined requirement of purification, so too the spotlight is upon you at this time. You need to be purified, made pure, because it is the order of God. He does not want you to come as you are to offer Him the gift that He has given to you. No! You must first go through the period of purification.

Purification is necessary but please let this be made clear in you. Your purification is not because you have done wrong, offended the Lord, or have committed some sin of omission or commission. No! It is to be done because God, in His grace and mercy, wants to make you pure, according to Him, so that your offering will be according to Him.

Liken it to a surgeon who has hands that are full of dirt, as he has been digging up his garden. He receives an urgent call to a patient. He has to scrub his hands before offering his services to the patient. On the other hand, a doctor has just had her bath and has just sat down to have breakfast when she is called to a patient. She too, has to scrub her hands before offering her services to the patient. What you are hearing and being made to understand is that your purification has nothing to do with you being clean or dirty.

We shall continue with purification tomorrow.