No Better Place to Be
Every year Jesus ’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover . When Jesus was 12 , they attended the festival as usual . After the celebration was over , they started home to Nazareth , but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem . His parents didn ’ t miss him at first , because they assumed he was among the other travelers . But when he didn ’ t show up that evening , they started looking for him among their relatives and friends .
When they couldn ’ t find him , they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there . Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple , sitting among the religious teachers , listening to them and asking questions . All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers .
His parents didn ’ t know what to think . “ Son ,” his mother said to him , “ why have you done this to us ? Your father and I have been frantic , searching for you everywhere .”
“ But why did you need to search ?” he asked . “ Didn ’ t you know that I must be in my Father ’ s house ?” But they didn ’ t understand what he meant .
This story reveals that even as a child Jesus recognized His life was consecrated or set apart for exclusive use of His Father . He said , “ I only do what I see my Father do ; I only say what I hear my Father say .” The result was that people marveled , they were in awe and wonder .
Comedian , Michael Jr ., relates the story through Mary and Joseph ’ s eyes . “ When Jesus was 12 years old , Mary and Joseph lost Jesus . They lost Jesus ! You know the first thing they had to do was pray . I wonder what that prayer must have sounded like ? Joseph probably said the prayer . He was like , ‘ Oh God , dear God , Oh forgiving God … Um , You remember that Messiah you gave us ? You got another somewhere man , cuz we don ’ t … That was the only begotten son ?! Ok , we ’ re gonna find him , we ’ re gonna find him !’”
The truth is , Jesus was never lost because he was always in the center of his Father ’ s will . The safest and best place to be is in the will of God . Does that exempt us from experiencing pain or struggles ? No ! Jesus said , in this world you will have trouble ! But , take heart , because He has overcome the world ! In other words , when we ’ re found in Him the redemptive plan of God is always at work .
Joseph ’ s brothers threw him under the bus by selling him into slavery . He could have been bitter , however he understood God had a plan . He said , what his brother ’ s meant for evil , God meant for good , for the saving of many lives .
What if we looked at all things through this lens ? It might not make it easier . But it would give us greater hope and so much peace .
While on a trip to Vietnam I visited a government run orphanage . The atrocities I saw left me undone ! Disabled children tied to beds , others left in chairs because of the lack of caregivers . I happened upon one
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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017