Joseph and Mary were diligent in their private, family, vocational, and corporate worship. Individually they communed with God. Together they sang to the Lord. When told to go to Egypt and return to Israel, they obeyed. As a family, they diligently strove to keep God’s ordinances regarding his public worship. From Luke’s record, this family can be seen faithfully circumcising Jesus and offering forth acceptable sacrifices. Later they are shown dutifully and joyfully keeping God’s Passover requirements. They “performed everything according to the Law of the Lord” and this was the family practice of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Consequently, it should not be surprising when Jesus grows to be one very comfortable in the household of faith. Look below at the characteristics of the young, maturing, perfect worshiper:
- He was filled with wisdom
- He enjoyed God’s favor upon him
- He enjoyed being with the teachers
- He enjoyed asking them questions
- He enjoyed giving answers
- He was drawn to be in his Father’s house
- He increased in wisdom
- He increased in favor with God and man
Friends, I desire that these statements be true of me. In addition, I long for these characteristics to be true of my children, grandchildren, and fellow parishioners. I want this to be said of you.
Personally, could we be more diligent in keeping, appreciating, and utilizing God’s corporate community?
Personally, could we be more diligent in practicing worship in accordance with God’s more simple and more awesome New Covenant expectations?
Parentally, could we be more diligent in putting our children in the house of God – over and over again – where they might be most benefited?
Parentally, could we be more diligent in helping our family take better advantage of our feast day – our holy day – our holiday – the first day – resurrection day – the Lord’s Day?
Pastorally, could we be more diligent in ministering to and discipling the youngsters placed before us on a weekly basis? Who knows what might come as a result of our ministerial endeavors?
Oh friends, how fantastic it would be to see a community full of Jesus followers of all ages:
- Filled with wisdom
- Driven to be in the Father’s house
- Assembling together
- Enjoying God’s favor
- Responding with victorious song
- Devouring the Word
- Commuting in prayer
- Enjoying the sacraments
- Being with teachers
- Asking many questions
- Giving back answers
- Increasing in wisdom
- Increasing in favor with God and man
This is church. This is beautiful. And I would say this is something we could work on during this year – 2018.
Luke 2:39-52. And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. EAnd when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Unfathomable Grace 