"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:21

January 2

​"On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived." -Luke 2:21 (NIV)

​At the start of a New Year or New Life, the right beginnings are so important. It makes all the difference in the outcome. Jesus' parents made sure he had good beginnings and were careful to ensure the success of the precious son God entrusted to them. While we often think of Jesus as a mature man boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God, the truth is far different. The brilliant miracle working man he became was dependent on the faith, religion, parenting, and education that formed him. He was raised by pious deeply religious parents in a Jewish home that revered their faith. They were obedient to the Torah and faithful to perform the "brit milah" or "circumcision and naming ceremony" required for all males the 8th day after birth. Jewish families performed several religious ceremonies soon after birth but all boys were circumcised and named then. (Lev.12:3) It symbolized separation from unbelievers, an intimate relationship with God, and was a joyful time for families. God commanded it and reaffirmed this through Moses. (Gen.17:4-14) It was a time of celebration when friends and family rejoiced in their baby joining God's covenant people. Infant baptism today is similar to the religious intent of this ceremony.

​Without the nurture, education, and training he received from his faith including regular synagogue attendance, Jesus could never have become what God intended him to be. In an age where many feel church, Sunday School, religion, religious training, and church attendance are no longer important or relevant, it is vital to remember the truth that Jesus could not have became what he was without the religious training he received. If you have ever been involved in the religious education and formation of a child, God will bless you even as he did Mary and Joseph. Their faithfulness changed the world as they formed their son into God's perfected servant. Your faithfulness to God can also change the future for the good this New Year as you honor your faith and God's ways.

​Prayer: Father God, May I honor your ways every day. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: True Religion binds us together in love.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)