Devotion for Thursday, October 22, 2023

“When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.  Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:45-46).  

Jesus was where He belonged.  We may not fully understand, but many who may have been there would have met Jesus later, when He began His public ministry.  They would have remembered the inquisitive insightful boy who was in the temple.  The Lord is very intentional in all of the things He does.  There was a purpose for everything, including the telling of this story for us to hear and ponder upon. 

Lord, I sometimes think in terms of there and then rather than realize that You have done what You have done once for all.  With great purpose You have provided the way of understanding by Your grace.  Guide me in the upward call You give to all people so that I might pay attention to the small things as well as the large things, knowing that all things are working together for good in Your love. 

Lord Jesus, God made flesh, how I would like to have been there, but have You not told us all of the things You said?  You publicly preached and said the same thing with the questions and parables that You spoke.  Help me to hear what You are saying and to respond in faith, trusting in the grace You give.  Open my heart and mind to give and receive according to the Father’s will in order to become more like You.  Amen.