Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, December 29, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
One of the beautiful characteristics of Luke's gospel is his regular pairing of stories -- where there is a story with a man, their is often a parallel story with a woman. Like Simeon's story, Anna too, recognized Jesus as the one Israel had been waiting for to deliver her from Roman occupation. She too, praised Jesus as their savior and deliverer.
We often overlook the importance of the women in the Bible. We think of it as a patriarchal book. But the stories of women are there if we are willing to see them. Luke wrote as a scholar for an audience of educated readers. This suggests there were educated women longing to see themselves reflected in the story of their deliverer. Luke did not disappoint. As we move through the gospel of Luke, pay attention to the many women who had important roles in Jesus' life and ministry. You will be richer for it.
O God, call men and women to your center, today. Call me to reflect upon my life, and upon you. Amen.
