We see Mary and Joseph demonstrating obedience is important. They did what the Mosaic law commanded for the birth of a son. They weren’t above the law even though this was a supernatural birth. Gabriel had told Mary that God highly favored her. Elizabeth had commented that Mary was blessed above all women. Joseph had an angel appear in a dream to explain Mary’s pregnancy. Both Mary and Joseph had been obedient to do as God had said.
Mary and Joseph Follow the Law
Eight days after Jesus was born, he was circumcised, probably at the local synagogue in Bethlehem. Thus, Joseph and Mary obeyed God’s rule about circumcision. Genesis 17: 12 From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth…14 Any male who fails to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant.” [1]
There was also a rule for the mother’s purification since blood is involved in childbirth. Leviticus 12: 6 “When the time of purification is completed for either a son or a daughter, the woman must bring a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a purification offering. She must bring her offerings to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle… 8 “If a woman cannot afford to bring a lamb, she must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons.[2] Since they were poor, Mary and Joseph brought a pair of birds.
Acting Above the Law
Unfortunately, some church leaders on the news don’t think they have to follow God’s rules because they have unique gifts or large ministries. They see themselves as entitled to have extramarital affairs because they are under such stress. These leaders have believed in a lie from the devil and don’t see themselves as accountable for their actions. Often, even ministry leaders next to these entitled ones turn a blind eye to their actions because they don’t want the ministry to suffer.
Scripture tells us that leaders do have a different standard, but this is a higher standard, not lower. James 3:1 Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.[3] Church leaders are held to a higher standard because they influence others. If they fall, it affects the faith of their followers. These deceived leaders might think of themselves as invincible, but eventually, their actions will catch up with them.
Obedience is Important
God told Samuel how important obedience is. 1 Samuel 15: 22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. [4]
Let Mary and Joseph be models of obedience to the Word. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/more-prophecy-of-jesus
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.