Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8 (NIV)
” But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.”
Luke chapter 2 verses 22-24 (NIV)
Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord— “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
God is not a hard task master. He knows what our practical circumstances are, and does not ask of us anything that we can’t do. We may need to act in faith and stand on His promises and He is right to expect that from us. God made provision for those who were poor to be able to offer a sacrifice according to their circumstances so as not to place too heavy a burden on them. But they still had to do what they could. I was reminded when I read this verse in Leviticus that Joseph and Mary only had the means to bring this sacrifice when they brought Jesus to the Temple. God did not look at their outward circumstances but at their hearts.
We should never use our circumstances, financial, health or any other issues as an excuse to withhold anything from God. I also think of the widow throwing her mite in alongside the amounts that were given from others. Jesus saw that offering and she was commended for it. If we give wholeheartedly and with the right attitude, God will take it and use it and we will be blessed.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You do not despise even a little if we give with the right attitude. Help me never to use my circumstances as an excuse for not serving You wholeheartedly. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.