"How About You?"

As a youth pastor one of my favorite passages of scripture is this account of Jesus as a young man. I love to read about it because it reminds me of a truth that I think we all, both young and old alike, need to be reminded of from time to time. I must admit that my favorite line is the last one because isn't it what we all want, ... 'to increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men?' I know that when I was a 'baby christian,' new to things of God, all I wanted was to grow! I wanted more of His wisdom, more of His favor, and more blessings because I longed to be in the very center of His will! As we take a look at this account we see that a willingness to be 'about the Father's business' is key to seeing that increase of the things of God in our lives.
 
   So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
   And when the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
   His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
   And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

   When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Bot Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
   but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 

   So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
   Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers , both listening to them and asking them questions.
   And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

   So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
   And He said to them, "Why is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
   But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
   Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
    And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:39-52

Every time I read this account of when Jesus was young I think about how Jesus was willing to 'be about His Father's business' even when He was young. I think about the future that was laid before Him and about the fact that, even when He was young and growing up, His willingness to serve the Father was at the very center of who He was, which, to be honest, is the truth that we all need to understand.  I say that because every time I read this, and see this truth in the life and actions of Jesus as a young person, I also think about how you and I, as believers, can be like Jesus and purpose in our hearts to 'be about our heavenly Father's' business as well!

Jesus' willingness is key to everything that He ever said and did! For example '...Father, if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done." Luke 22:42 It is also the key that made those next words possible, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

How about you? Would you like to see an increase of the Lord's wisdom in your life? What about seeing an increase in the favor of God in your life? If the answer is, "Yes!" Then you need to understand that your 'willingness to be about His business' is key and that is very much a choice that only you can make for your life! Reading through this account and the verse in Luke 22:42 we see that Jesus was willing even when He was both young and old ... How about you? What does your willingness look like?

God Bless!!!