To anchor my thoughts for the devotional I was asked to deliver at last Saturday's baby shower, I went to the early chapter of Luke--and the rather incomplete story of Jesus from birth to age 12. (I'm sure you've probably notice how little is recorded in our Bibles about His childhood.)
What IS recorded is the account of the time Jesus was abandoned in Jerusalem for at least 4 days. Today, that would probably warrant an investigation by Social Services!
I wondered why
this story - out of all the others that COULD have been recorded - was included. One of the lessons I drew from it this time was how quickly people, excitement, and events can crowd out our awareness of Jesus! If his parents went a whole day without thinking about Him, how much easier it is for me to go a "day's journey" without Him. By reading the story in Luke 2:41-51, I notice how much anxiety and stress could have been avoided if Mary and Joseph had been "aware".
It took them
three days to find what was lost in
one--His presence and their peace! With new alertness, I am determined to be aware of His presence and experience the peace that comes with keeping Him within "eyesight" of the heart.
Ah yes I am sure that when they found him in the temple it must of been such a relief...I too have often wondered why it took so long to find him, well I know the world today is so much different from then but it is just one of my many "wonderings" I have from the the Bible (which I love so much)........:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome devotional. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. GOD BLESS YOU!
ReplyDeleteHugs, andrea
That's wonderful! I never looked at this passage in this way! Thank you! Love you! Janine xo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflection! I have read that story more times than I can remember and I never really thought of it in those terms.
ReplyDeleteWonderful insight and soul searching!
And a beautiful reminder to us. Thank you!
Love to you,
Eileen
Amen my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite stories of the young Jesus (not much to choose from...but even the baby stories about Him are beautiful stories too!)... I especially love the part where He tells His parents, "Didn't you know that I must be about my Father's business?"
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Rebecca. You always have such deep insights, and I enjoy learning more about your heart with every post that you share.
Love
Lidj
It is so easy to go "a day's journey" without being aware of His presence. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI have often thought about Jesus' childhood and why there wasn't much recorded.I think it was because he was just an ordinary boy like any other that grew into the person that he became. No special treatment or bells and whistles, just a regular boy. Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteVery interesting devotional. I never thought of it this way. I am sure it was well received. Your word verification today is blessel. That is you... a vessel of blessings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this passage I see it as Jesus choosing to go away from them to "do His Father's business" and preach in the Temple. Since these people traveled in large groups of friends and family, maybe they last saw Him with someone trusted and so didn't worry at first. Such a great lesson for us to never lose sight of Jesus, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, Rebecca!
blessings and warm hugs,
marcy