"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Luke 2:48-50

 January 22

"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." -Luke 2:48-50 (NLT)

Letting go of people or projects we have nurtured is always difficult. It is both exciting and difficult at times to see our kids growing into adults. But when the time comes we all need to pause, step back, and let go. All Mother's have to let go of their children and let them become adults. So did Mary. She not only had to let go but let Jesus become a man. Yet terrified, that she hadn't been protective enough with her God-given child, today's scripture tells us that she searched frantically for Jesus fearing he had been lost in the crowds. No doubt she was also fearful he may have been harmed by robbers or thieves when it was apparent he was lost.

Jesus parents searched frantically but they were looking for a boy, not the brilliant young man in the Temple astounding revered prominent rabbis with his insights. This brilliant individual was much more than their child and manifested gifts of God's Son, the Messiah. This text is the first mention of Jesus' awareness he was God's Son. But even though he knew his real Father, Jesus didn't reject his earthly parents. Yet Jesus' parents didn't understand what he meant about his "Father's house". They didn't realize he was making distinctions between his earthly father and heavenly Father. Jesus knew he had a unique relationship with God. Although Mary and Joseph knew he was God's Son, they didn't fully understand what his mission involved. They had to raise him, along with his brothers and sisters as a normal child. (Mat.13:55-56) Jesus earthly parents knew he was unique, but didn't know or understand his innermost thoughts. Like them, we all have to let go of those we love in spite of our fear and even sorrow. It is only then our loved ones can flap their wings, take flight, and soar to the heights of success God has planned for them. Their success is your success!

Prayer: Lord, Help me let go in your perfect timing. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Love holds God tight when letting go.

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