S) "8 But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean."
Leviticus 12:8 (NASB)
O) There is an important distinction to be made in this chapter. In verse 6, mothers were commanded to bring a turtledove or young pigeon for a sin offering. This is not because the act of childbirth is an act of sin. People are inherently sinful - that is, we inherited sin. Sin is within us, because we are the offspring of the fallen man and woman, Adam and Eve. When we read the initial curse and consequences of sin, we see that painful childbirth was because of the first act of sin (see Genesis 3:16). So, the command to offer a sacrifice for sin after birthing a child, was not because the woman had sinned during her labor. The command was because the childbirth was a present reminder of the behavioral sin of Eve, and the inherited, inherent sin of the mother.
On another note, the chapter also instructs that there should be a lamb offered for a burnt offering, but this verse also shows another way if the mother is poor. This seems to be the primary verse that suggests the lyric from the Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and it suggests that Joseph and Mary might not have been able to afford a lamb. We don't exactly know, but it's plausible and interesting to consider.
A) There is a beautiful illustration at work, here, of God's justice and mercy together. He required atonement for sin, but it was the - lowest tier, I guess I could say. A turtledove or young pigeon would have been the most inexpensive sacrifice God would allow. He was requiring sacrifice because of His pure holiness, but in His mercy He allowed it to be as easy as possible. This example shows me God's willingness to meet me where I am. Jesus told me to count the cost of discipleship, but it's my cost. What discipleship costs me isn't necessarily the same as it costs someone else. Just as childbirth was a momentous reminder, I need to acknowledge that I am a sinful creature even if I have not committed any sinful behavior, and thank God for His grace and mercy, now fully paid by Jesus Christ.
P) Father, the provision I have in Christ is such a peaceful joy. You require, but You provide. It's such a beautiful grace that I simply don't deserve. Thank You, Father God. Keep me humble, Lord. I want to honor You with the personal sacrifices I make. I know I can't earn Your mercy, but I want bless You because of the mercy I've received. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
God requires but God provides. That's good. It's important to remind ourselves that we are 100% man, meaning, 100% inherently sinful. Even in salvation, we are made new, and given the mercy of our sins through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. But we are still made of man. So, we still need to recognize and daily count the cost. But man, God is good. He doesn't just leave us hanging. It gives us what we need to give back to him. Just like with Abraham and Isaac. God gave Abraham the ram to sacrifice instead of his son. Or like in our tithe, He gives us the money, resources, to tithe from in te first place. Nothing we give, is really ours anyways, it was first given to us so we may give. Isn't that also how it is wen God says he blesses us so we may bless others? I think I'm rambling now. Anyways. Thanks Nic, thought provoking and encouraging.
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