The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 21 December 2025 – Be Law Abiding
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TOPIC: Be Law Abiding
READ: Luke 2:21-24 (NKJV)
- And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
- Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present [Him] to the Lord
- (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”),
- and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
THE MESSAGE:
The Scripture enjoins Christians to be subject to governing authorities because the authorities that exist are established by God (Romans 13:1 cf Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13). Jesus’ parents were law-abiding Jews. They showed up at the temple to perform sacrifices associated with a wife’s purification after birth, in line with the law that a son be circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21 cf Leviticus 12:2-4, 6). The Boy, Jesus, was therefore presented in the temple. This was done with an eye to the law, and at the time appointed by the law, when He was forty days old, when the days of the mother’s purification were accomplished (Luke 2:22-23 cf Exodus 13:2,12). The mother also brought her offering “according to what is said in the law of the Lord” (Luke 2:24 cf Exodus 13:2,12).
Our God commands us to be law-abiding because all authorities that exist are appointed by Him. When we are obedient to the authorities, it is actually God we are obeying. However, we may choose to disobey man when what we are told to do does not glorify God (Acts 5:29). The Scriptures admonish us in particular to obey those who rule over us, and be submissive, because they watch out for our souls, as those who must give account; and when we obey them, it makes their work a joy and not a burden (cf Hebrews 13:17). From today, make the work of those who lead you a joyful one by obeying them and you will be blessed for it.
PRAYER: Father; as I obey constituted authorities, may Your glory be shed on my way, Amen!
