January 23
"Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." -Luke 2:51-52 (NLT)
Like any loving parent, Mary stored up the memories of her son's childhood in her heart. Yet Luke also makes it clear there were no shortcuts for the Messiah. God's Son had to grow up and live a life of obedience in a family just like us. His wisdom only increased as he grew. Yet all the while, God's mission for him lay ahead until such time as his character and personality was fully formed by the godly influences in his home, school, and synagogue. After disappearing at age 12 and terrifying his parents, Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and lived under their guidance for 18 more years. Like Jesus, we also need to value human relationships and family ties. If the Son of God obeyed his human parents, how much more should we honor our family members! Using commitment to "God's work" to justify neglecting our families is not the way of Christ.
The Bible doesn't record any more specific events of the next 18 years of Jesus' life, but says he was learning and maturing. As the oldest in a big family, he obviously assisted Joseph as a carpenter. Joseph probably died during his teen years leaving Jesus legally liable for providing for the family as the oldest son. Hard work and routines of daily life gave Jesus a deep understanding of his nation and other people. Luke shows us that although Jesus was unique, he had a normal development. Yet all the while, God's divine purpose lay ahead. While we can't fully understand God being fully human in Jesus, what must it have been like for Mary and Joseph? Yet in the powerful reality of this divine mystery, lies our healing and growth. For God calls us to grow, in all ways, to be like his Son. Our effectiveness and increasing wisdom depends on our continuing growth. This January, God calls you to grow, in all ways, to be like his Son. In this growth lays both your freedom and prosperous future! For with God, all things are possible!
Prayer: God, Grant me strength to continue growing. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Difficult growth brings changes for good!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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