Reflection on the Presentation of the Lord

Reflections on Malachi 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18: Luke 2:22-40

 (2nd February 2014; Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

Background:

The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on the 2nd of February every year. This year, it fell on a Sunday. The Presentation celebrates baby Jesus being presented by his parents in the temple. This was in obedience to an ancient regulation where God asked all Israelite parents to 'redeem' their first born sons from Him. It was in remembrance of God saving the first born sons of the Israelites during the passover in Egypt.

The first reading is from Malachi and speaks of the Lord suddenly appearing in the temple and purifying His people so they make offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

The second reading, from Hebrews, speaks of Christ the High priest who became like us in every way to save us and thus is able to help us when we are tempted.

The Gospel presents the Presentation narrative.

Honestly, it was the first time I'd ever really thought of the Presentation. And it occurred to me that although God required a physical circumcision and purification in the past, He requires spiritual circumcision and purification of us. And He is the one to do it. That's where the prayer/poem came from. I pray it's a blessing. 

Purify me LORD!

Circumcise me,

through and through,

Cleanse me wholly,

that I may be yours 

and yours alone.

That, as your temple, 

I may offer

pleasing and acceptable sacrifices

to you.

Circumcise me, high priest,

Purify me; circumcise me

that I may be clean and reflect you only.

Angela Azumah Alu (February, 2014)

Image courtesy of: http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=19086

Casting it all to Jesus-no expectations

It’s been a long time coming

I’ve wept many tears;

Cried over things I couldn’t control

Been frustrated at what seemed to be your neglect.

Failed to smile or count my blessings because everything seemed so wrong

Felt my expectations were not met and really felt like a failure

And my heart was just so broken about everything.

But here I am today

Reaffirming my love and trust in you.

Saying that no matter what the enemy, the world or my flesh bring my way, it’s you and you alone I trust.

Praying for grace to be faithful and saying that yes, I do know that all things work together for my good because I love you.

I’m trusting you to bring all my pieces together. You are faithful.

My expectations have been high and they have oft left me disappointed and sad.

I have expected things to fall in place for me and that has not happened.

I have expected life to be easy and that has just not happened.

But all that I have needed, not expected, your hands have provided.

So great is your faithfulness, I say.

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

Great is your faithfulness, my father.

I cast all my expectations unto you.

May I have no expectations of anyone but only trust in you.

Angela Azumah Alu, UG Doctoral Academy 24/1/17

image courtesy of: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94716398392961323/