Many great love songs weave in the theme: “I want to be where you are.” This posture of safety, love, comfort and content in the form of a person is a beautiful sentiment. For many of us, we have experienced a parent, a friend, a spouse or even a place that has felt like a healing balm for our souls. The physical meeting place of the church, even as a teen, has always been a favorite sanctuary of mine. Whether I was hiding in the choir pews during a middle school lock-in or practicing for the Vacation Bible School play, the church building felt like a second home to me.
But it wasn’t just the building, it was the people. The church is where my faith was nurtured and challenged because it is within the safety of people who love us where we can truly explore who God is and how God has made us to be. There were peers, mentors and Bible teachers who opened my eyes to see more of God’s love through the pages of the Bible.
Jesus also found wisdom in the house of God. As a twelve-year-old kid, He gravitated towards a council of teachers in the temple to learn and commune with them (Luke 2:46). His parents were frightened, thinking they had lost Him. Like most parents, their nature was to protect and care for their son. When they found Jesus, He said, “Why were you searching for me?”…“Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” (v.49). Father’s house? But Joseph was His father. I can see why His parents were confused.
But for Jesus, His place was in His Father’s house. In the presence of God and God’s people is where Jesus read God’s Word. This experience began the next phase in Jesus’s maturation into the person we know Him to be: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people” (v.52).
Maybe we lost our safe place over the years due to circumstances outside of our control or complicated relationships. Or perhaps, we have grown cold to the beauty of being in a community of believers. The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He gave us the gift of having sanctuary whenever and wherever we are. Through the Holy Spirit, we have God in us, a sweet communion that feels like home. We don’t have to find the perfect place or person to make us feel whole because we can experience it through Jesus. God has made His home within us.
And when we have found our safety in Jesus, then we can create a safe place for others. We can sit amid friends reading God’s Word and growing in wisdom together, like Jesus did that day in the temple. Following our longing to be wherever God is, we will find our home with the Father.
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85 thoughts on "In His Father’s House"
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This warms my heart.
Love this
Amen!
Love this. I, like so many, have grown cold to church. Lots of painful circumstances took me out of our Father’s House. But God… my daughter and I have returned, not by anything we have done, but by everything He has. Grateful.
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Amen
Amen! This gave me strength to overcome my anxiety this morning
I completely agree with this!
In my father’s house there’s a place for me
A reminder that Jesus is our safe space!
A beautiful devotional!
The link between our longing for safety in another person and the true comfort when we seek out Jesus was truly beautiful and thought provoking.
What an excellent point Jennifer Yawn. I originally thought what you did about Jesus being sinless, but didn’t come full circle to the fact that just like us, he had to learn to be obedient and therefore became sinless once he learned right from wrong.
I am trying to join a church community but it is so hard to meet new people as an adult!
This passage speaks to my mothers heart, we all know the deep hurt that only our children can provoke become they alone own every part of our heart. I can only imagine the the confusion and hurt on Mary’s face as Jesus comes into his own identity.
I am a bit squeamish about “church” after negative experiences as a young person growing up in my parents’ home. It has been my prayer that I see God’s love through the lens of my experience and know that He is good, loves me, and holds me in His hands.
Thankful for Jesus’ example and desire to be in the presence of His father.
Church has always been a complicated place for me for various reasons. My daughter has made it her place, her community.
Luke 2:51 says “then He…was obedient to them.” The way this is written almost suggests that prior to this, he was being disobedient by staying behind. I was taught that Jesus lived a sinless life and in doing so,, He never did anything wrong.. But I realize that not every misstep is rooted in sin. Sometimes a misstep is simply not understanding. Jesus had to learn by mistakes just like we do. Isn’t that fantastic to know?
Lord we thank you!
Commenting to those looking for a church home. It is not an easy task but God has a plan for you to be in community just like the first church after Jesus’ resurrection. If your local area doesn’t have the Gospel centered church you are looking for I highly encourage finding a church who posts sermons online to join. Post pandemic so many churches now have a remote community! Maybe you will find others who live close that want to come over and watch the sermon with you. Keep praying and take the steps to find your church!
Commenting to those looking for a church home. It is not an easy task but God has a plan for you to be in community just like the first church after Jess. If your community doesn’t have the Christ centered group you are looking for I highly encourage finding a church who posts sermons online to join. Post pandemic so many churches now have a remote community! Maybe you will find others who live close that want to come over and watch the sermon with you.
Commenting to those looking for a church home. It is not an easy task but God has a plan for you. If your community does
I find this confusing. Did Jesus know as a boy He was God? Why does He say He needs to be with His Father, meaning Himself? I feel for Joseph. It must have hurt.
My prayer is that as I sit with Jesus and read the Word, I gain wisdom and understanding to continue to safely walk with Him in this earthly vessel. I love the fact that we can be challenged by the Word and grow with those around us in a safe and loving environment.
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Jennifer Dugan Yes X 1000. I am very disenfranchised with ”church” for all those reasons. I am praying for the Lord’s guidance in finding the right place after being a life long (66 years) United Methodist. It makes me very sad.
I echo a lot of you in asking for prayers for finding a church home. We moved about a year ago, and haven’t had much luck in finding a church. Many of the churches in our community have been participating in very hurtful things…we also really want a church with families in our life stage and kids (a lot of the churches here also have mostly elderly members. I love the wisdom and community, but also want our kids to make friends, etc). I wonder if we’re being too picky. I know no church is going to be perfect, and any church is going to go through hard times. Anyhow, we’re really missing and needing community.
Jennifer Dugan Yes X 1000. I am very disenfranchised with”church
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So so good…prayers for all of those needing healing from hurt and that we know we have true community with Jesus.
Eeek…it posted too soon. Let’s try this again. Our deacon gave a talk about how Mary and Joseph taught Jesus many things- how to walk, talk, eat, etc. That was profound, as some days that is hard to do. I also was thinking- do you think Mary ever had a rambunctious little one that she was trying to wrangle during church? But in seriousness the sermon and today’s readings have had an impact on my view of parenting. I loved @Churchmouse’s comments. What beautiful visuals of the daily tasks that parents undertake. I also loved @Kenya’s comment about Scripture and Disney songs. That is my hope as well! Thanks for the thought-provoking community today!
Our deacon gave a sermon this weekend about Mary and how she raised (with Joseph’s help of course) Jesus and taught him all the things that parents teach their children- how to walk, talk, eat etc. That was profound to me as some days all that
Sisters can I also ask for prayer ? Despite my best efforts I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about this pregnancy and how I will deal with two under two as the only breadwinner in our house – childcare is a nightmare where I live and my mom still works in another state. Thank you.
Taylor- I felt as you did about eight years ago in my mid- early 20s. That feeling caused me to enter into a lot of relationships that were wrong for me and caused a lot of heartache. Now that I’ve been married for five years with one baby I can confidently tell you being married did not make me feel “complete”, feeling that way in Christ was the prerequisite for me to be ready to marry
Praying for everyone looking for church community — as we are too. What used to be so simple has become very complicated — social issues, politics, all of it. Praying that God makes this more simple for all
Of us — and that we can find goodness in community….despite the things that we as people can bring into it.
Praying for everyone looking for church community — as we are too. What used to be so simple has become very complicated — social issues, politics, all of it. Praying that God makes this more simple for all
I often wonder about how hard it must’ve been for Mary and Joseph. Loving their son so much but knowing He’s destined for something amazing. How scared they might’ve been, maybe even confused, but knowing they have to trust God and His plan.
I loved today’s readings – so aptly timed with Epiphany being tomorrow.
Reading today’s devotion, I have a prayer request, would you please pray for me to be able to find a church community to belong to. I have been hurt by church (past two churches) and it has caused a deep fear. After years of faithful attending, serving, certain truths were brought to light. I brought them to God, and have been waiting. Counselling about church hurts is hard because no one really wants to talk about it, maybe through whispers. I was praying for closure because I truly loved them. BUT GOD, before they hurt me, they hurt Him. The experiences give me perspectives of how God feels when repeatedly betrayed by His own people/church. It really humbles me how the Lord still commits to love. It is a trial for my part to test if I could love a Judas in my life. I got scared and defensive, all I can think is who is Judas now. I want to be at peace and joyful. The Bible says, love abounds in knowledge & discernment, so we may be sincere and without offence (Philippians 1:9-10). Please pray for me to overcome fear and to grow in knowledge and wise discernment in finding a home church. Much appreciate your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
The people who have experienced church hurt are always in my prayers. They are still loved
As a child I had a church home with my family, but throughout the years of college and moving around in my early adult life I don’t have one. I have started going to one in my new town and am really enjoying it and have realized how much I have missed it. One of my goals is to continue to go and go more consistently.
@TAYLOR – I feel like I say this often and maybe I’m annoying ;) but I truly resonate with what you’re saying. I struggled to find a good church community moving away from family so I would just go whenever I was with family and not on my own. I still felt like I was following gods plan and would pray everyday but not going every week took a toll on me. I finally made the plunge to find a church in my town and it has been great. Finding a small adult community has not been easy but I am not giving up on it. Don’t give up either! When the time feels right for you to go on your own do it! Gods timing is perfect and I am so thankful I started going when I did because I needed that comfort after my dads accident. I too feel like if I become a wife or a mother I will feel complete, but at the end of the day married or not, a mother or not people still have their trials and God loves you no matter where you’re at. Hang in there girl I am right there with you! Sorry for rambling :)
The church used to be a second home to me for many years until I experienced church hurt as a young single mom. Now I struggle with it, but I want to find a church that feels safe and like a second home for my babies and I.
@Maria Baer: I found this in the David Guzik Study Guide (blue letter bible.org). Jesus developed as he grew. “He passed through a natural but perfect spiritual and physical development. At every stage He was perfect for that stage.” (Geldenhuys)
I loved today’s devotional. I love my church family. I feel so at home with all of them, even a bit more so than my family. Being able to gather together and worship God- it’s truly heaven on earth.
Guys I have a praise and prayer request. Praises: I am all moved into my new place and I LOVE IT. God litterally picked the perfect place for me and I am in awe. I never realized how dark and small my old place was until I got my new home. SO thankful for this blessing.
Second praise- My little sister asked me what Bible she should get! We grew up in the prosperity gospel, but my sister walked away from the church/God because of it. She’s seen me go through a lot with my cancer, business and now housing journey and how God has provided with all three- it’s stiring her heart towards Him. This is awesome!
Pray that she continues to pursue and ask questions. I know God will meet her there!
A couple more thoughts came to mind as I read comments — did Christ ever correct any of the stories of His father, mother or grandparents as they told the Bible stories, if they were inaccurate? Also, how did His siblings feel and did they ever try to blame Him for anything and if so what did Christ do and/or say? I mean here’s this perfect human in your family and how do you deal with it?
Perhaps this is a great time to share my favorite scripture.
Hebrews 3:6
NIV
6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
At the age of 12 Jesus stayed behind to be in his Father’s house. Can you imagine how Mary and Joseph felt once they realized Jesus was not with them?! I would be in a full on panic! I have not been inside of church since the pandemic. I had to stay safe and healthy for Tanner. I feel that I’m being drawn back. I’m craving that community. I think this Sunday is calling me to worship.
Here’s something else I’ve been pondering — especially after reading Maria Baer’s comment — did Joseph get upset or scold or reprimand Jesus in any way when they found Him and He said what He said? I’ve always wondered that, I know if I had done the same thing my father would have been upset and reprimanded me.
“The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He gave us the gift of having sanctuary whenever and wherever we are. Through the Holy Spirit, we have God in us, a sweet communion that feels like home. We don’t have to find the perfect place or person to make us feel whole because we can experience it through Jesus. God has made His home within us.”
AMEN!! ❤️
I relate with many of you, in your struggles with loneliness, wanting to belong..
And yet I am so thankful that somehow, we all found our way to this SRT community. The Holy Spirit led us here and that many of us continue to return each morning, whether it’s reading, commenting, or both. It’s wonderful to feel God’s peace each morning as I read through the scriptures, devotional, your stories, encouraging words, and prayer requests. I certainly feel a difference when I don’t make time for God in the morning.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for my coworker Maria who passed away last Friday, and for her family. I realize I might have been unclear in my previous comment – I work for a small family business and Maria was the business owner’s sister in law. Her husband also works for the company and is having a hard time.. please pray for him and their daughter.
Work has been challenging lately, and this quiet time in the morning has been helpful. I feel at peace most mornings but to be honest, by the middle of the workday my patience grows thin and I get moody because my workplace can get very distracting. Today’s devotional convicted me in a good way – “when we have found our safety in Jesus, then we can create a safe place for others.” I confess I haven’t always represented Him well and have been focusing on my own silent pain, when I now realize that my gift of empathy can be used to reach out to others who may be struggling with their own silent pain. If you could please pray that God could help me maintain peace and that He could guide me to reach out to others more ❤️ sorry for the long comment.. thanks for reading and have a beautiful day sisters. ❤️❤️
OH MY GOODNESS!!! So much said that I can identify greatly with in today’s devotional, starting with “The church is where my faith was nurtured and challenged because it is within the safety of people who love us where we can truly explore who God is and how God has made us to be.” After reading those few words Bailey wrote I knew it was going to be a devotion I could totally relate with. Then later when I read, “The wonderful thing about Jesus is that He gave us the gift of having sanctuary whenever and wherever we are. Through the Holy Spirit, we have God in us, a sweet communion that feels like home….God has made His home within us.”, I was awe-struck about how this could relate to the past two years for many of us due to COVID. WOW, WOW< WOW!!! Her closing sentence I feel says it all, "Following our longing to be wherever God is, we will find our home with the Father."
After reading Luke 2:46-47 "46 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. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." it made wonder didn't Christ all ready know all this and couldn't he be teaching them? I mean after all He was there when everything in the Old Testament occurred, wasn't He? Was He see what the priests and other church officials knew or was communing with His Almighty Father in His "quiet place"? I wonder!!!! One I'll find out, when I meet my Lord and Savior face-to-face.
Be blessed and realize it's okay to wonder and ask questions about the Word and what it does and doesn't say.
Still clinging to Gods timing- Jesus moved around with his family (my assumption is because he was learning the way people were those regions) fulfilling the prophecies/promises of God. Jesus was growing into who God needed him to be to prepare Jesus for what was coming. How often do I look at my life as preparation for the future? Do I find myself seeking opportunities to grow with Christ? Do I look at circumstances with a God view or a world view?? Help me father to keep seeking you in all things.
Amen. This is good. To remember we need people. And mostly, we need people who have Jesus. No one but He was perfect, so we must give an allowance of grace…but it’s so important to get together & worship together. Hallelujah!
What a beautiful devotional Bailey. Your words echo what I have experienced growing up.aChurch as a second home.
This passage made me think about how grateful I am for my church. It took us a long time to find a church we really connected with. When we are all worshiping together there, it feels like a glimpse of Heaven. I can see why Jesus as a child felt like he was “home” in that sense.
I’m so thankful that the holy spirit is always with me.
I am also grateful for these devotionals & She reads truth!
What a blessing ❤️
This is the second time we are told that Mary kept all these things in her heart (v51) – after they found Jesus in the temple. The first was during the shepherds’ visit. How many other times must she have done this? Remembering and meditating on the miracle of Jesus the Messiah and her part in it. I picture an inner smile/knowing as she watches her son grow in wisdom and stature. But also some confusion because being human, she would have been unable to completely grasp the mystery… just beautiful
Before I was saved I was always looking for a way to belong or be satisfied. Since then I’ve known God is that for me. But todays reading and devo gave me a different perspective. Jesus created our home inside us with the Holy Spirit and that is what keeps me at peace and gives me the hope of belonging. Praying I continue to learn different views through God’s word daily and grow closer to Him. That I continue to be transformed and I help my son find that peace inside him.
I am listening to the Spirit in me to guide me back to the community of believers. It is my safe place and the place where I grow in wisdom. The wise men, Joseph, Mary and Jesus paid attention to the prophets, angels of God, dreams and remained in God’s favor.
I have attended the same church for over 20 years now. Many ups and downs during that time, with our church being saddled with crushing debt from a former leader with grand illusions of his own, and then he skated off for greener pastures…
Many left, many stayed, and after a time, some returned. I remained through it all, mainly because I never felt the Lord leading me to go anywhere else.
But the other reason I have stayed has been my Wednesday girls, as I lovingly call them. I started attending a Bible study back in 2007, taught by a dear, wise, faithful woman in our church. After a time I was asked to co-teach, and then she handed off the class to me about 10 years ago. (I was shocked at the time! Her health had declined, and she assured me I would do well. Nothing like the encouragement of a sister in Christ!)
So I have come to adore my Wednesday girls, and the class has about 30 or so, if everybody comes. Which is rare, but our motto is- There’s always an empty chair for anyone who wants to join us. We keep it a ‘drama-free’ class, too.
The shut down in 2020 was very difficult for me, and I was so grateful when our church re-opened after 10 weeks. I attended that first Sunday with tears streaming down my face, so thankful to be there and worship with my family in Christ. For me, I was glad for the online streaming service, but it just wasn’t the same. I needed to be with my church family, even spread out in our big sanctuary. Such dear people that I am so grateful to be a part of.
“We can sit amid friends reading God’s Word and growing in wisdom together, like Jesus did that day in the temple.” To me, this is what small groups are, or should be! I participated in 3 small groups this past year, and all were unique and special. The first one was hard to step into because being new to the church and knowing no one was a little intimidating. But I quickly made fast friends and learned so much through the study of “The Armor of God!” For me going to church on Sunday is a priority and a must, but being able to be in a small room of people, intimate and enthralled in discussion and grasping of Gods Word is where true development can take place! (Just as SRT has done for many of us!) Also, those can be the same group that surround you in some of your biggest struggles of life, somewhat of a lifeline when you are flailing! Friends are good in those moments of your life, but Christian friends are a double blessing, gluing us to our Father when sometimes anger can and wants to pull us away.
Many years ago after my divorce I am so fortunate that I had friends to pull me into thier church after my divorce and I joined their small group. While my worldly friends wanted to pull me along with them barhopping and guy seeking, my small group friends led me to the better path in sadness and defeat. That is to lean into God for comfort. That will àlways be the optimal choice.
The wise men started their journey fixed on God’s glory but diverted off the path towards man’s glory and their own wisdom. Surely the next king would be in a grand palace within the current king’s blood line. The star, God’s glory and wisdom, was close enough. How often do I start on the right path to only end up at the wrong place because I settle for man’s glory and my wisdom and happy that God’s glory is close enough. The wise men rejoiced when they came to the place where the star rested because they knew this was different. God’s glory shone all around and surely they felt his presence. They arrived where God called them and if they had trusted a heavenly wisdom a little more they could have arrived without the help of men. Of course God knew they would fail to follow the star fully and the prophets fortold what would happen in Bethlehem because of Herod’s anger and jealousy and that Jesus would be called out of Egypt and then settle in Nazareth but what if God knew they would have trusted all the way to Bethlehem and what if they had? How much pain could have been spared? My hope is that I can keep my eyes fixed on God’s glory so that man’s wisdom does not destroy things in my life.
Taylor, I love your heart. I’m guessing your age, but I recall around that same point in my life needing to discover Jesus for myself. Not that I wasn’t saved, but I almost needed to leave my parent’s journey and start my own. I wandered for so long and then one day, I decided to go to a women’s Bible study. I found so many wonderful women who mentored and helped me. God made us creatures of community. I very much encourage you to keep that spark for wanting to be apart of that group. The blessings and the fruit you’ll see will amaze you!
“Did you not know I had to be in my Father’s house.” Even at His young age, Jesus knew the importance of being in His Father’s house. Sitting under the teachings, he grew in wisdom and stature. Jesus always left us a “pattern to follow”, “footsteps to walk in”. One thing we can glean from Luke 2:49 is that Jesus took the time, even if it meant sacrificing the time with His family to be in the house of God where He could learn and grow. We too, must follow in His steps. Being a part of a church family is so important for our spiritual growth, and for the growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Life happens, circumstances come up that might keep one away for a time – but it’s important to get back, be present and be involved. Everyone will benefit from it!
A prayer request – On New Year’s Eve my father-in-law was taken to the hospital via ambulance – he was not expected to live, put on life support & we were all called to the hospital to say our goodbyes. Three days later- after calling on everyone we knew to pray – they took out the ventilator, he has been taken off of one of the heart meds and had the temporary pacemakaer taken out. That’s the power of prayer!!! That’s the evidence of God’s mercy and grace!! Still praying for his recovery but more importantly that he (Al) and my mother-in-law (Phyllis) and the rest of the family will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior after 36 + years of praying for them! I ask you all to join me in the prayer.
@praying for each of you that are struggling to get back to church. It’s hard once you’re out of the routine, but once you take the first step it becomes much easier!
@Taylor – praising God for the peace He is giving you concerning your singleness, continuing to pray for you, and that in God’s perfect timing He will bring someone into your life.
@Traci G. & Tina – continuing to pray for you in the loss of your loved ones. I imagine that your heart never fully recovers from losing a child.
“I wonder as I wander out under the sky…” I hear this song in my heart this morning as I read Matthew 2. The wise men from the east were stargazers. God called to them using heavenly light. How they must have wondered as they wandered, following the unusual star. Their eyes fell upon a lowly birth scene, but the knew, and they bowed even lower to their King, crowned only by the majestic illumination of a star’s light. I want to sit in this wonder for a while. And as I rise to wander out into my day, I pray that God’s true Light will guide me on my way. We are all still following the Light in the darkness to be one day united, together, healed and whole, in our Father’s House. Forever to reign with Jesus in the Kingdom. Let us hold close the hope and wonder as we wander. Maranatha.
Good morning everyone! I am currently in Proverbs in the Bible Recap plan, but I like coming to SRT to read the comments! I love the devotional for today too. I would love your prayers for my devotional time as well…lately it has been a struggle to wake up earlier to have a good amount of time to read my Bible before work. I work from home so it’s easy to sleep in more since I don’t have to travel…but I know that it is important to still fit in my time with the Lord and not feel rushed. Hoping to work on that. Work has been busier so prayers for my anxiety and just to do my best and strength for the day would be appreciated too.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. – Matthew 2:10. My prayer today for me is to rejoice with great joy and drive for wisdom
I used to attend church in person before the pandemic. Not as often as I would’ve liked, because we used to travel a lot on the weekends. Then the pandemic came and I started watching online church. And now I’m still watching online church. I miss being in actual church. I miss seeing the people and worshiping together. I miss getting up and getting dressed instead of staying in my pajamas watching church. I definitely want to work on getting back to attending church in person this year! I need to make that effort. This devotional really spoke to me this morning ❤️
Wise men from the east to Bethlehem to worship the young Jesus, but Herod wanted to kill Jesus because he saw Him as a threat to His reign. Being warned of Herod’s murderous intent, Joseph flees with his small family to Egypt. Herod kills all the boys two-year-old and younger in and around Bethlehem in an attempt to get rid of the young Messiah. When Herod dies, Joseph and his family return to Israel and settle in Nazareth. Jesus grows from toddlerhood to boyhood with increasing wisdom and a greater understanding of the mission that His Father has for Him.
Jesus is worthy to be sought for and to be worshipped. He is the Word of God and fulfills all Scriptures. Jesus grew up physically, just like every child does. Jesus, the One who gives us wisdom, is full of wisdom. God’s grace is on Jesus. Jesus converses with us. He listens to us and asks us questions concerning His Father and the Word of God. Jesus’s understanding of Scriptures is astounding to people. However, it shouldn’t be because Jesus is the Word of God. It is necessary for Jesus to be in His Father’s house and about His Father’s business. Jesus remained obedient to His parents. He increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people.
Jesus is the Word of God. He fulfilled the words spoken about Him. He is full of wisdom. He knew God’s Word and applied it perfectly to His life. He listened to people and spoke to them, asking them questions about God and His Word. The questions astounded the religious leaders.
Jesus is the Perfect One. He never sinned. He is the Lord of all, but He remained obedient to His parents. He was humble to remain obedient. He is faithful to do His Father’s will. In remaining obedient, He increased in wisdom and favor with God and people.
I always thought Jesus was a little naughty in this scene, and I LOVED THAT. He’s the rebel Jesus, after all: the one who sets things straight but also makes everything topsy turvy, the long-expected one who does the unexpected, the holy king who is a real-life naughty boy.
Good morning sweet sisters! Taylor, it is exciting to see how the Lord is growing you!
Rachel Hix, as the wife of a retired Pastor, I agree with you. It becomes too easy to let gathering together for worship slip. But as one who deals with two chronic health issues which flare up from time to time(+ Covid shutdown) I am also very thankful for technological advances making it possible for me to in some ways stay connected to my Bible class and worship services. I truly have to make sure I don’t over use technology as a substitute when I can participate in person.
This chronological study of the life of Christ is wonderful. Blessed Day sisters!
I like to imagine Mary doing all the things mothers do to maintain a home with a child pulling at her, seeking her attention, wanting to play. I like to think of Joseph working hard to provide for his family while Jesus plays at his feet in the sawdust. I picture the family all together, having dinner, with Joseph recalling aloud the stories of God’s faithfulness to His people over the ages. I wonder how many times they looked at Jesus while he slept and pondered His destiny and the part they were called to play. I appreciate the grand and glorious triumphant Jesus but I equally appreciate the unique boy who grew up under the tutelage of Mary and Joseph. Parents, trying to do their best for their child. And then releasing Him to be Who He always is. Not unlike what parents do today and yet different. Special. The Son of God. The Savior of the world.
Today’s devotional really resonated with me. I’ve really been missing that feeling of a church community (or really any community). I go to church with my parents, but haven’t really been too involved in the church outside of going on Sundays. I’ve felt God put it on my heart to get involved in a young adult/community group, but I’ve dragged my feet with many excuses. Maybe this is the push I need to sign up and show up :)
Also I loved the quote “We don’t have to find the perfect place or person to make us feel whole because I can experience it through Jesus.” I feel like I’m waiting to find my “person” to feel like I’m complete, but another thing God has really been working in me in this season is that this is a lie. I am loved, whole, complete, etc. IN CHRIST. I don’t need a boyfriend/husband to be any of those things. Thank you Jesus for working on my heart and showing me Your truths, Your love, and that You provide for my every need <3
Amen
Even Jesus made the effort to be in His Father’s house…which, is how He grew in stature and wisdom. It’s so easy for us here in the Western world to stay home and learn about God through a screen…to not get up on Sunday mornings and put forth the effort into actually going to church. This passage right here clearly shows that even the Savior of the world made the effort to be in His Father’s house…because that is how he would grow in wisdom and knowledge of His Father.
Here’s a question I’ve always pondered about Jesus’ disappearing and then being found at the temple. His answer to Mary seemed very mature for his age. And while Mary and Joseph seemed confused, they also knew that he had a bigger future as the Son of God. I always wondered if Mary and Joseph— in their humanity and as many parents feel— felt unequipped at times to help form him.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” I’ve read this verse many times, yet it’s the first time that it’s meaning really sunk in to me (thanks to the devotional) that this was the beginning of Jesus’ formation as the Teacher and Redeemer He would become. I love when devotionals help me see details I did not catch before.
“God has made His home with us.” I love that so much.
“We don’t have to find the perfect place or person to make us feel whole because we can experience it through Jesus. God has made His home within us.”
Yet leaning into this can be so hard when looking for true friendship and community…
From this point we see Jesus grow into who we know him to be….a point I’ve never seen before! He went out of his way to congregate:)