Luke 2:44

New International Version (NIV)

Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.                  

For meditation

One can readily get  caught up in the euphoria of activities and lose track of some essential events in one’s life—like appointments or noticing something important. However, when a couple forgets their child in a gathering for a whole day before realizing it, that takes the issue to another level. Surprisingly, that happened to Jesus when His parents took Him to the feast of Passover in Jerusalem at age twelve (Luke 2:41-52).

The family had had a busy and uplifting visit to Jerusalem for the festival and were returning in a caravan. However, Jesus had unfinished business with the teachers of the law so He stayed behind. Mary and Joseph traveled a day before realizing His absence(Luke 2:43-44). He was only twelve, so how could they leave without verifying His presence—like in the movie “Home Alone.”

We’ve all been in Mary and Joseph’s shoes at some point. Before we cast any stones, let’s reflect on how often we’ve done the same to Jesus in our daily lives. Whether in disputes with others, negotiating business deals, filing our business reports and taxes, or even during church services with our smartphones, we’ve all had moments of distraction. The struggle therefore is real and understandable. However, we must overcome it, especially in church services and devotions.

How can we sit in church browsing through our messages to respond to an ‘urgent’ message and waiting for the last amen to rush out? Your mind is elsewhere and you hear nothing from the pulpit. You rush out of church at the end of the service with no clear understanding of the day’s message. Would you not say you have joined the League of Mary and Joseph?

It is regrettable that under such circumstances, most people go home “unaware” they left church without Jesus. Time passes, and things disrupt their lives before they remember they missed the word that could have helped resolve their situation.  They miss His presence during the week because they missed the nourishment of Sunday. I pray they enter the sanctuary of God the next time, prepared to pay attention and go home transformed by the message.

We are talking about losing your focus in church on Sundays. You go to church to worship the Lord, so why get distracted with business messages and lose focus on the King of Glory? We understand that keeping your mind from wandering is not always easy. However, remember that He wants to speak a personal word to settle your turbulent heart. The Master desires to return home with you for continued fellowship throughout the week, but you deny Him the opportunity. May it not have been your situation at church yesterday or on your previous visits. 

So, don’t give yourself excuses for missing Jesus in any part of your worship services or devotions. Your presence there is vital for your spiritual growth.

Pray with me.

Lord, please help us remain focused on you and not get distracted in your presence by business and personal issues. May we not leave you behind in our daily engagements but invite you into every situation in our lives. For Christ’s sake, amen.