History:
- 1214: University of Oxford chartered
- 1819: SS Savannah is first steamship to cross the Atlantic
- 1840: Samuel Morse patents telegraph
- 1895: Caroline Baldwin earns first PHD from an American university by a woman—Cornell
- 1975: Jaws Released
- 2020: Highest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic Circle—100 degrees F in Siberia
- Born: Brian Wilson, Lionel Richie, John Goodman, Nicole Kidman
- Died: Bugsy Siegel, Howard Johnson [motels], Leroy Neiman, Peter Thomson [5 time British Open champ] Jim Kiick [Dolphins]
Thought:
Today, I am reading the story of the visit to Jerusalem by Mary, Joseph and Jesus when Jesus was 12. We have almost no information about the childhood of Jesus. Have you ever wondered what kind of kid He was, how He treated His parents, His siblings? We at least know that Joseph was still alive when Jesus attained age 12, so apparently sometime between this event and Jesus beginning His formal ministry 18 or so years later Joseph dies. As the eldest, Joseph was now the leader of the family. Again I wonder what His relationship to His siblings was like. Many of you have siblings, some older, some younger. Think about your relationship with them and then think about how it must have been to have Jesus as an older brother. I like to think abut that because when we accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, we were adopted into His family. Read Luke 2:41-52. Here is what I see:
- Jesus’ parents exampled obedience to the Law. They went to Passover every year. This was no small deal—a long walk with several children. Many of us are grateful for parents who exampled Christ to us. Yes, sometimes I was aggravated that we were at church every time the door opened. Yes, I resisted when they made me memorize my Bible verse each week or my part in BTU. But their faithfulness and discipline certainly made a huge difference in my life. Reminds me as a grandparent how important it is to set that example of faithful Christian living for the generations to come.
- Mary and Joseph were looking for Jesus in all the wrong places. They had walked for a day headed back to Nazareth, but when evening came, they could not locate Jesus. Most of us have been parents so we may relate to how they felt. When you can’t find your child at the game, the store, the park—panic, anxiety, self-blame. Your mind may race to all the worst possibilities. I think about that walk back to Jerusalem—I bet they walked faster. Probably had the same combination of emotions we would have had—mad with yourself, then mad with Jesus, then praying He is fine. You see this in their conversation—why have you treated us this way [2:48]. Were you not thinking about us? We have been anxiously looking for you [2:48]. Jesus response always hits home with me. Didn’t you know where I would be, where I HAD to be? [2:49] This story reminds me that so often I look for Jesus in all the wrong places and certainly the lost of the world are looking in the wrong places. People are lonely, hurting, confused, afraid and they are looking for help, comfort, strength, purpose, direction, love, acceptance—but where do they look? Entertainment, escape, vacation, alcohol, drugs, porn, hobbies, work, acts of service. But where do I find Jesus—in His word, in prayer, in seeking Him [for He promises that anyone who seeks will find]. I have friends and acquaintances who keep looking for love in all the wrong places—Lord, help me introduce them to You.
- Jesus was doing His Father’s business. What a reminder! I spend my time doing my business or doing someone else’s business. Jesus was about His Father’s business. A reminder to me that the most important business for me to take care of every day is my Father’s business. What business in our heavenly Father in—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness. Yes, the fruit of the Spirit. But also, comfort, forgiveness, discipling, gospel sharing. Here notice that Jesus is asking questions and answering questions. That sounds like most evangelism programs—if you died tonight are you sure you would go to heaven we ask. And then we help people understand the only real answer. People all around us are struggling looking for answers in all the wrong places—we know the right place, so we ask questions—how can I help; may I pray for you today; do you know Jesus. And we answer their questions—why would God let this happen; does God really care?
So today—I want to be a good example; I want to look for Jesus in every situation; I want to direct people to the One with the answers to their questions—I want to be about my Farther’s business.
Blessings
Larry
Comments
Post a Comment