Come to think of it, is He even there?

And 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… Luc 2.43-45

This is incredible, isn’t it? How can parents, worthy of the name, can forget a twelve-year-old child in a city? And the first son for that matter! If the child was a bad boy, one would think that their forgetfulness alluded to a desperate psychological need of a break; but he wasn’t. What could have been more important than children, especially at the time? Normally, Joseph and Mary should have first checked that all the children were present before taking the road back to Nazareth. And yet, as unbelievable as this seems, this is precisely what some of us do on a daily basis. They hit the road and embark on all sorts of adventures, without making sure that the most important person in their lives is indeed part of the journey. 

Has Jesus entered your boat this morning? Or yesterday? Or last week, when you decided to do this or that or go to that place? Will He be part of the fun later on or tomorrow, as you carry out with your plans?

Many Christian live their faith by proxy. They have lost sight of Jesus and simply hope that those tagging along with them can still see Him. Jesus’ parents could not see him, and yet, they continued with the journey, hoping that he was somewhere in the group. Likewise, it’s now been a while that things are not working on that road of yours. You can no longer see GOD; but instead of turning back to find out where you have lost/left Him, you'd rather move on with your plans, head first!

Joseph and Mary looked for him amongst their relatives and acquaintances. Nothing is working, and yet, you don’t want to go back to the source. You’d rather use shortcuts. “Please, tell me, what shall I do? What do you think GOD wants from me?” My dear, you will not find Him here, because the fact that we are together right now means that I’ve equally left without Him! I am as lost as you are. Like Joseph and Mary, we both need to return to ‘Jerusalem’. It is written: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent” (Rev 2.5). 

I pray that this week will be one of new consecrations and new starts. A week when we reset EVERYTHING –projects, relationships, businesses, decisions etc.– and say, like Moses, “LORD, henceforth, if Your presence will not go with me, do not bring me up from here” (See Ex 33:15).

God bless you.