From Glory to Glory - Ponder

Luke Chapter 2 (NKJV®) details the announcement and birth of Christ, the fulfillment of prophetic words about Him, and, His return to Nazareth.

The chapter concludes with an event that happened at Passover that deserves some further thought.

There was regularity and tradition in what Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, did (v41, 42). All according to the Law. This was foundational to their faith and living a life that was pleasing to God.

⁴¹His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

⁴²And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

There is certainly value in being consistent in how we live our lives according to God’s Word each and every day. It not only establishes groundwork for our faith yet it also presents a consistent witness to those around us that our faith is not a fleeting thing, but, a living, breathing, way of life that we embrace freely and joyfully.

Then, they got caught off guard.

⁴³When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;

⁴⁴but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

⁴⁵So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

It’s interesting here that even though they were very cautious and purposeful in what they did, and obviously were great parents because God chose them to raise Jesus, yet, they still managed to begin their journey back to Nazareth without even realizing that Jesus was not with them (v42).

They had a subjective perception and belief (v44) that He was indeed with them, somewhere in their company.

We should be very aware of this ourselves as we travel in our own journey of faith to ensure that Jesus is indeed with us. It’s easy to fall into the trust of tradition or edge out into obscure ‘Christian’ spiritual thought and practice, and, still believe that Jesus is with us.

We know that in this day and age there are many who deceive and speak as though they are of God, yet, God tells us in 1Thessalonians 5:21, 22 (NKJV®) to, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

God certainly allows us grace in our journey as we endeavour to seek Him and find out how His Voice sounds to us. He knows we need to learn, however, He won’t let us get too far if our hearts are really turned towards Him.

He corrects us if we need it, and, draws us back.

Back to Him.

⁴⁶Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

⁴⁷And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

⁴⁸So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

Where did they find Jesus?

In His Father’s house of course.

He was VERY clear that He needed to be about His REAL Father’s business (v49). There was nothing more important than that.

⁴⁹And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

⁵⁰But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

After the birth of Christ, Luke 2:19 states that, “…Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”, and then again, in v51, “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.”

That is where we need to be each and every day.

Seeking Him. Listening to His Voice. Understanding His business. Watching for His direction.

Objectively pondering and evaluating our spiritual, physical, and, emotional practices to see if Jesus really IS with us where we are and with what we are doing.

So, if you have found yourself sensing a growing distance from God, return to Him.

Then return to His House, and, watch, pray, and, listen.

Habbakuk 2:1 (NKJV®) states, “I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.”

What will you do when He answers you? What if He needs to provide correction and re-alignment?

Will you stay on the current path you are travelling, or, will you return to Him only?