Thoughts on the readings for March 11th (Leviticus 19, Psalm 119 -81-128, Luke 2)

Leviticus 19 can be summarised in one verse. Verse 19 of this chapter says, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”. This is sometimes called the golden rule – stated another way it could be said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In the New Testament Jesus highlighted this teaching in Matthew 22:36-40. Paul explains it in Romans 1:8-10; and James describes it as the royal law in James 2:8-13. Every command in Leviticus 19 is designed for the protection of the weak and the benefit of the entire nation. Everyone who lived by these principles would fulfil each of the Ten Commandments from the sixth to the tenth commandment. You would not bare false witness if you loved your neighbour; nor would you steal or kill. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law – its crowning pinnacle.

Verses 81-128 of Psalm 119 cover stanzas 11-16 and therefore also the letters from the Hebrew alphabet of 11-16. The Psalmist, as we have said, was prophetically revealing to us the mind and motivations of the Messiah – our Lord Jesus Christ. What should be apparent to us is his positive attitude. His thoughts were always directed towards pleasing his Father. We must learn to live life from the standpoint of counting every blessing day by day. Whenever we feel negative thoughts pressing upon us, then stop and affirm to ourselves that God loves and cares for us. His Son told us, “Fear not little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. Let us take a few verses for our encouragement and being built up in our most holy faith – verses 89-94; verse 90; verses 97-100; verses 103-105 and verses 125-128. Slowly read these aloud and think deeply on their significance to you.

In Luke 2 we have the record of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was turned upside down by the decree of Caesar Augustus that there must be a census. This required vast movements of people to their ancestral homes. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, Mary, are caused to go to Bethlehem. When there was no room in the inn (Chimham’s lodging house from the time of king David) they found lodging among the cattle. In such humble circumstances the king of the world is born. A multitude of angels appear to the Bethlehem shepherds, who were watching over the lambs which were to be sacrificed at the next Passover. The message of the angels was that when God is glorified in the earth then there would be peace among men of good will. We then find the record of Jesus being taken to the temple for the required offerings. Mary’s offerings were for those of the poorest. We are told of the faithful Anna and Simeon who were in expectation of Messiah’s redemption of the nation. Jesus is taken by Joseph and Mary to Egypt in order to escape Herod the Great’s slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem (this is recorded in Matthew 2). Luke takes up the story after Herod’s death, when they were returned from Egypt and their moving to Nazareth in Galilee. Here Jesus remains until the age of twelve when he went with his parents to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus became “lost” when the family was returning to Galilee. When the family came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus they found him in the temple discussing the Law with the doctors of the Law. What child was this? The record tells us that as well as hearing these learned men Jesus was also asking questions of them. Our Lord gave the rejoinder to Joseph, his step father and Mary – where else did you think I would be? It is my Father’s business that motivates me. Mary kept these matters in her heart and often pondered them. On returning to Nazareth he took the appropriate role of an obedient child. Jesus’ wisdom increased rapidly, as did the pleasure of His Father in His wonderful Son. People found him amiable and agreeable in every capacity.