For the last couple of weeks, I have been burdened for our youth, both male and female. The realisation as statistics demonstrate, that the formation of life character is set between the ages of 4 and 17; and that from above 17 years of age, where their life choices are not engrained in Christ, the overwhelming evidence is that they will be lost to the world’s satanic mould. With this as context let us examine the life of the Lord and His growing up—Luke 2:52 identifies four dimensions of assessment.
- Wisdom
- Stature
- Favour with God
- Favour with men
What do these mean? They point us to growth in wisdom and maturity both spiritually and physically.
To unbundle what this growth implies we read backwards in Luke 2:48-49. The pointed question to ask yourself dear one is, when you are looked for, where should you be found; and doing what? The Lord Jesus Christ, our model was in the temple, in His Father’s house, minding and being involved in the Father’s business. No wonder He was greatly loved by God, His Heavenly Father and blessed by men.
The silent 18 years between Luke 2 and Luke 3 is not spoken to overtly but Jewish traditions would suggest He served Joseph (earthly father) in the carpenter’s shop (Matthew 13:55-56). It is likely that Joseph died during this season of His life, leaving Jesus with the firstborn responsibility of providing for the family until the opportune time. He learnt labour or hard work and took responsibility for family.
Where are you found when those who know you look for you? What do they find you doing? We fast forward and apply what was recorded by Luke on the life of the Lord to Paul’s admonition to the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 4:15. The template, pattern and process and endpoint of growth is the Lord Jesus Christ! Consider again Luke 2:46-49 (AMPC, TPT, NLT)
- After three days they found Him [came upon Him] in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence and understanding and His replies. And when they [Joseph and Mary] saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, Child, why have You treated us like this? Here Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You [distressed and tormented]. And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father’s house and [occupied] about My Father’s business? Luke 2:48-49 (AMPC)
- After being separated from him for three days, they finally found him in the temple, sitting among the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking probing questions. All who heard Jesus speak were awestruck at his intelligent understanding of all that was being discussed and at his wise answers to their questions. His parents were shocked to find him there, and Mary scolded him, saying, “Son, your father and I have searched for you everywhere! We have been worried sick over not finding you. Why would you do this to us?” Jesus said to them, “Why would you need to search for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be here in my Father’s house, consumed with him?” Luke 2:48-49 (TPT)
- Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:48-49 (NLT)
The intentionality expressed in Luke 2:49 affirms that we make the choice to grow spiritually and not flow with the current! Nothing shapes our lives like the decisions we make! What Jesus would be at age 30 was already in play at the age of 12— the decision to be in the temple of His Father and in fellowship with the teachers of His principles! The commitments and priorities that would govern His life were set in that statement.
What have you committed to? What are your priorities? Don’t just float with life. It is at the point of commitment that we miss God’s best!
What are you committed to? Half-hearted commitment to too many things leads to frustration because we choose the wrong things! Choose wisely, make Christlike choices, depending on Him to help you fulfil those choices! God accurately reproduces His character in you (Ephesians 4:24 (MSG). Reflect and make the commitment today. Shalom.
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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