WEDNESDAY January 1, 2025

New Year’s Day

And He [Jesus] said to them [His parents], “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Luke 2:49

As we begin a New Year, let us reflect on a passage of Scripture that will help us to refocus our priorities.

Jesus was young––a Boy of twelve. On this day, after the yearly Feast of Passover had ended, Jesus lingered in Jerusalem, while His parents continued their journey back home. After a day’s travel, thinking He was among the traveling company, they realized Jesus was missing. They searched among their friends and relatives, but He could not be found.

When Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem, they found Him in the Temple among teachers, listening and asking questions. After three days of searching, His frantic mother said to Him: “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously” (Luke 2:48). Although Jesus rightly submitted Himself to His parents, we see, on this one occasion, a glimpse of what He came to do on earth in His reply to His mother––“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

For Jesus, His life’s priority would be to do the business of His Father. He would complete what His Father sent Him to do. When His ministry started at about the age of 30, Jesus told His disciples, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). He also taught them, “...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). On the Cross, that work was finished.

Jesus’ example in life should be followed. We should have a burning desire in our hearts to do the Lord’s business. This means we should be sharing our faith, helping, and serving others. Are you about your heavenly Father’s business? Do not waste God’s opportunities. Read God’s Word and make it your first priority to do His will this New Year.

When you follow God's will for your life, you can see how yesterday's events prepared you for today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.
~David Jeremiah~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!