"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Luke 2:39-40

 January 16

"After doing everything the Lord's Teachings required, Joseph and Mary returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. The child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was with him."-Luke 2:39-40 (GW)

Has your hometown you were raised in influenced you in your life? Would you be what you are today without it? Home towns are very important. Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the fact Jesus grew up in Nazareth. This small humble town was located near the important city of Sepphoris but sat some miles away in the hilly beautiful area of southern Galilee. It was near the crossroads of great caravan trade routes. Nazareth itself was very small but had an active synagogue and life's necessities. The Roman garrison in charge of Galilee was housed there also because of the frequent rebellions and riots in the freedom loving often rebellious province of Galilee. The people of Nazareth also had an attitude of independence many despised. This may have been the origin of the saying, "...Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (Jn, 1:46)

Yet the people of Nazareth had constant contact with people from all over the world, so news came quickly. Jesus learned skills of a tekton or carpenter from Joseph there. Tektons not only worked with wood but were master stone masons and construction workers. This father-son team probably engaged in rebuilding the nearby city of Sepphoris after it had been destroyed by Romans for participating in a rebellion in Galilee. God ensured Jesus grew up in both a small Jewish town with a strong education in scripture but also with the advantage of knowledge offered by sophisticated world cultures. He was exposed harsh realities of Roman rule but also great learning. We know Jesus spoke and wrote in at least 4 different languages and was revered as a rabbi, scholar, and teacher. Although small and despised, God picked Nazareth as the perfect place to mold Jesus to be prepared to fulfill his great mission of bringing healing, and salvation to the world. If you ever struggle with where God has placed you, realize it is for your greater good!

Prayer: God, Thank you for all who have nurtured me. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Current places offer spaces for God.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)