Luke 2:41-52
Suggested further reading: Matthew 10:34-42
All young persons should note the conduct of the Lord Jesus
Christ when he was left by himself in Jerusalem at the age of twelve.
For four days he was out of the sight of Mary and Joseph. For
three days they sorrowfully looked for him, not knowing what had
befallen him. Who can imagine the anxiety of such a mother at
losing such a child? And where did they find him at last? Not idling
his time away, or getting into mischief. Not in vain and
unprofitable company. They found him in the temple of God, sitting in the
midst of the Jewish teachers, hearing what they had to say and
asking questions about things he wished them to explain to him (v. 46).
So ought it to be with the younger members of Christian
families. They ought to be steady and trustworthy behind the backs
of their parents, as well as before their faces. They ought to seek
the company of the wise and prudent, and to use every opportunity
of getting spiritual knowledge before the cares of life come upon
them and while their memories are fresh and strong.
Let boys and girls remember that if they are old enough to
do wrong they are also old enough to do right, and that if able to
read story-books and to talk, they are also able to read their Bibles
and pray. Let them remember that they are accountable to God
even while they are yet young.
All Christians have an example in the answer our Lord gave
to his mother's question (vv. 48-49). A mild reproof was evidently
implied in that reply. It reminded his mother he was no common
person, and had come into the world to do no common work. It was
a solemn reminder that, as God, he had a Father in heaven and
that this heavenly Father's work demanded first priority.
Are we about our Father's business? Let this be the mark
at which we aim in our daily lives, and the test by which we try
our habits and conversation. Let it quicken us when we begin to be
slothful, and check us when we are inclined to go back into the world.
For meditation: The purpose of life is to bring honour to God.
Do we?
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