Finding Your Creative Bones® 365-Day Devotional © 2023
Jesus was the miracle people had waited for. Many wondered if the Messiah would ever come.
And the child became tall and strong and full of wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
And every year his father and mother went to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up, as their way was, to the feast;
And when the days of the feast came to an end and they were going back, the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem, but they had no knowledge of it:
And in the belief that he was with some of their number, they went a day's journey; and after looking for him among their relations and friends,
And seeing that he was not there, they went back to Jerusalem, to make search for him.
And after three days they came across him in the Temple, seated among the wise men, giving ear to their words and putting questions to them.
And all to whose ears it came were full of wonder at his knowledge and the answers which he gave.
And when they saw him they were surprised, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you done this to us? see, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow.
And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? was it not clear to you that my right place was in my Father's house?
And his words seemed strange to them.
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and did as he was ordered: and his mother kept all these words in her heart.
And Jesus was increasing in wisdom and in years, and in grace before God and men. (Luke 2.40-52 Bible in Basic English (BBE))
Imagine Jesus when he was young. What a boy he must have been...wise beyond his age and so interested in people, their well-being, and their beliefs. Honest and kind, forthright yet gentle. Yet he was a boy and undoubtedly acted as a young boy. Sometimes, he must have played and been with other children, like his cousin John. What did he think? How much did he know or understand? There is little doubt that he didn't know who he was. Scripture is very clear on that. But did he think as a boy or a man with all of the world's knowledge and understanding? He was the son of God. He is God. Was he innocent or completely wise? Some combination of both?
Prayer:
Lord God, your son Jesus was the miracle people had waited for most or all of their lives. Many, like Simeon, waited. Simeon had God's promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. God provided, and Simeon rejoiced.
You sent Jesus to earth with a promise: the salvation of humanity. You knew no better way to save the people you made in your image. You loved us so much that you found an inescapable way to make your presence known and to save us from ourselves. You made Jesus in your image and ours. How smart you were and are. You knew some would believe and some would not, but those touched by Jesus' words and teachings would be so profoundly impacted that the world would begin to change. Many people would come to recognize you and change. I am grateful for your trust in us and my forefathers and mothers. Though you knew none of us would be perfect, you saved us anyway. This is an example of love far beyond anything I know or understand, but I am immensely grateful. Thank you, Lord, for loving me and all who came before me. Craft me into your servant, and let me serve you and humanity for the rest of my life. I pray in Jesus Christ's name. Amen

a tangle originated by Richard Anderson
Word of the Day
GENIUS
Read the Scripture in context on the Bible in Basic English (BBE) website.
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