Mary Had A Little Lamb
In this classic nursery rhym, Mary's little lamb followed her everywhere she went, even to shcool one day, but according to God's Word, His Lamb didn't follow anyone, not even His own mother, but instead He led the way because He was and still is the Way today.
"But supposing Him to be in the caravan; they traveled on a day's journey; and (then) they sought Him (diligently, looking up and down for Him) among their kinsfolk and acquaintences." Lk. 2:44 (Amplified)
At the tender young age of 12, Jesus was already filled with wisdom, something that takes most of us a life time to achieve! He was also filled with the grace of God which was upon Him. This shouldn't seem so unusual when you stop and think that Jesus was God in the form of a humble 12 year old boy. This alone made Him one of a kind. He was not a typical boy of his age. Jesus did not run away to pull a prank on His parents. Instead, He knew He had business to attend to out of obedience.
But, nonetheless, His parents who were normal parents like any of us today, were worried and filled with dread to think that something might have happened to their young Son. After three days of looking they finally found Him and much like any parent today, they were both ecstatic and upset at the same time. Jesus was found sitting quietly in the court of the temple listening and asking questions of the teachers. (Lk. 2:46)
Not only was the young Jesus inquisitive, but everyone who heard Him were astonished at His intelligence. They did not realize who He was. His insight and understanding were far beyond a normal person's, especially for one so young. (Lk. 2:47)
It was their first reaction to scold Him, but Jesus set them straight.
"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)." Lk. 2:48 (Amplified)
"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?" Lk. 2:49 ( Amplified)
Just like many of us still today, His parents didn't even comprehend what He was actually saying to them. So many times we can be face to face with the things of God and still miss them. But we have no one to blame but ourselves because God tells us that if we seek Him (diligently) we will find Him. It's more than just looking casually for Him, it must be a serious undertaking on our part. Mary and Joseph spent 3 of the longest days of their life diligently searching and seeking after Jesus. They never gave up. And just like the young Mary and Joseph, even after we find Him, we don't always understand what a treasure we found!
At the age of 12, Jesus was already telling them that they did not have to look for Him...and neither do we. Actually it's the other way around.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he (will eat) with Me." Rev. 3:20 (Amplified)
As long as we are willing to listen and answer Him, He will come to us. He makes Himself availble to anyone and everyone who desires His presence. He promises to be right there. It's not a game of hide and seek on His part. He never was hiding from His parents, they just lost sight of Him.
Many times we make things alot harder on ourselves than necessary. God has made finding Him so easily accessable for all who wish to find Him.
Even John the Baptist, who knew before hand that Jesus was the Messiah Who was to come still doubted even after He did show up. In fact John sent two of his disciples to go to Jesus and ask if He was indeed the One. They weren't even sure or if they should continue to look. (Lk. 7:20)
Doubt is a very dangerous roadblock. It will blind us everytime to the truth that is staring us right in the face. Doubt cost John his very life in the end.
Jesus' parents who finally found their Son, noticed that He was doing His Father's business and nothing changed years later when the disciples found Him. He was still doing His Father's business. Jesus was then and still is today in the business of healing and spreading the "Good News" of the gospel. It's the best news for anyone who has the ears to hear it.
"And blessed (happy-with life, joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions-and be envied is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble (whatever may occur)." Lk. 7:23 (Amplified)
We, who have salvation through the Lamb of God will have that peace, joy and satisfaction in our lives no matter what the circumstances may be. It's because of Mary's little Lamb that we have the promise of everlasting life through the Lion of Judah! (Rev. 5:5)
As humble and quiet as Jesus came to us, He is just as sure to return with wrath and fury to put an end to all suffering of mankind once and for all. I don't know about you, but I'm happy that Mary's little Lamb left her side to go about His Father's business, which was to save a wretch like me.
Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle, we have lost the real meaning of Christ's birth.
Vivian Gordon is one of God's sheep and hears His voice. Through the Holy Spirit, He leads her in writing inspirational articles and has called her to teach His Word.
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