Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus Chapter 12.

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying:

‘When a woman gives birth and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean for seven days, as in the days of her menstruation she shall be unclean.  On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.  Then she shall remain in the blood of her purification for thirty-three days;  she shall not touch any consecrated thing, nor enter the sanctuary until the days of her purification are completed.  But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, as in her menstruation;  and she shall remain in the blood of her purification for sixty-six days.

‘When the days of her purification are completed, for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the doorway of the tent of meeting a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.  Then he shall offer it before the Lord and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood.  This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female.  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 Chapter 12.

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Happy Mother’s Day?

Today’s Scripture is a shocking contrast to the pretty presentation of motherhood that Hallmark presents.  But, I think the following Scriptures will show the purpose of the LORD’s commands in today’s Scripture.

Mothers are sinners.  Fathers are sinners.  And, their children are sinners even at the point of conception.

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.”  Psalm 51:5.

Purification and atonement led the sons of Israel to consider this important fact that Reformed Doctrine expresses in “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  And, “Total Depravity” is the opening doorway to salvation.  “For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.”  Romans 11:32.  “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”  Galatians 3:22.

In addition, purification and atonement particularly gave the mothers the necessary humility which gives hope.  “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  James 4:6.