Today’s scripture: Luke 2:40-52 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I have been experiencing a season of submission lately. Seems as if God is busy getting rid of things in my life that hinder my growth. Some time ago we wrestled with my ego, then it was my fierce independence and control issues, now lately it has been pride. All the while I have been praying for companionship and relationship. I had begun to question whether God was even hearing my prayers in this area.
However, during a recent time of devotion and prayer, I felt the Spirit telling me that God is preparing me. Part of this preparation is training me to look to God, not the world, for answers. Sometimes when everything is going exactly like we want it, we adopt some false sense of security, as if everything we have and have done was achieved on our own. If you are like me, you may believe that if there is something you want or need from this world you simply have to go out and get it. But what do you do when your attempts to get what you want fail or some unforeseen circumstance cripples your efforts? What happens when suddenly the world seems to be reeling out of control and you are unable to get a handle on anything? It is in those situations that we must look to God for answers and peace.
In our reading today we find Mary and Joseph in the midst of a chaotic moment. Can you imagine losing a child while away on vacation? It would be like leaving Disney World and half way through the plane ride home discovering that little Jimmy isn’t with the family. Imagine the fear and panic! Now imagine them finding a calm reflective young Jesus in God’s house, safe and sound. “Why did you worry,” he says. “Surely you must have known I would be in my father’s house doing my father’s business.” Though we see Jesus maturing, growing, and learning, what I notice most is the growth of Mary and Joseph. In the midst of their chaos they find peace in Jesus.
Jesus models for us the act of submitting to the will of God. Regardless of what is going on around us we must be about God’s business. In our worst circumstances we must find God. In this we are not defeated by the world. We are not victims but victors. We are not prisoners, but instead we are free.
Thought for the day: When we submit to the will of God and grow through our trials, we can find peace!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.