Have you ever wondered where God was? Ever felt like your prayers weren’t being heard, or like the peace and joy you once had were now nowhere to be found? Me too…Here’s some food for thought:
A lesson learned from Jesus’ parents in Luke 2:42-51
Luke 2:42-51 “42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
This may be a familiar story to many of you. I have heard it referenced in many a Sunday School lesson or sermon, but never in the way I thought about it today. I want to share with you what the Lord spoke to me about this morning.
Our Journey…
It’s so easy to get busy with life. If we are not careful, we will journey on, and before we know it we will have left Jesus behind somewhere. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that he can’t keep up with us. It isn’t even that he leaves us alone to ‘figure it out on our own’. Perhaps we choose a path we shouldn’t. Or perhaps he wanted us to slow down or stay still, and we chose to move ahead without seeking his will first. Whatever happened, the first step in resolving this issue is to realize we are not walking with Him like we once were.
The Process…
It takes some time to get back to where we need to be. In this story it took 3 days for Mary and Joseph to reunite with Jesus. In reality, every situation will be different. Getting back in step with Christ requires forgiveness through repentance (asking God to forgive us, and turning from our mistakes), seeking Him (praying for his guidance and direction), and walking humbly alongside him once again. If you have gotten out of a routine of prayer, Bible study or Church attendance, it may take some time to restore those habits in your life. Stay faithful. You will never go wrong if you are in the middle of the will of God. If you are seeking him, he will show you the way to go! If you want forgiveness, it is there waiting for you to ask for it. (1 John 1:8-10)
The Unfortunate First Reaction…
Why is it that when we feel there is distance between us and someone else, we always assume they are the ones at fault? Look at verse 48 – Mary had a “why have you left us?” type of reaction in this situation as well. Friends, the Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) If there is something between us and our Savior, rest assured, we have created/allowed that to happen. Whether knowingly or not, we have let something or someone take us away from our first love (Christ). If you’re a true child of God it breaks your heart once you realize this. But it’s the first step towards making things right again.
The Important Lessons Learned…
Everything happens for a reason. God will allow us to go through these short “journeys” away from him, in order for us to grow spiritually. Like in verse 50 of this passage, we may not always understand what God is doing in and through us. The important thing to remember is to just stick close by his side. All it takes is a little distraction. A little sin. A little discontentment. And before you know it, you’ve gone 3 days without walking with Jesus. Never forget these times. When you move on and continue to walk with Christ once again, remember how this felt. Remember how you lost your joy, and you felt guilty. Then move forward with Him, knowing his way is best, and he loves you so much!
