Tag: distress

Jesus at twelve!

Posted in Gospels - March 5, 2025 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for March 5: Luke 2

“And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:48-52

Children sometimes give their parents reasons for stress and distress. Our oldest son once decided to go on a self-proclaimed retreat without letting us know where he went or for how long. This was before cell phones or air tags! We looked all over and finally got word that he was camping several miles away. This same thing happened to Jesus’ parents after a trip to the temple in Jerusalem for a festival of Israel. Jesus failed to join the journey home and his absence was finally noticed part way there. The parents returned distressed and looking for Him. They found Him in the temple asking questions and listening to the rabbi’s and teachers.

When Mary and Joseph asked Jesus why He had treated them so disrespectfully, He answered them with a curious statement: “Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph did not know how to process that at this point. Their world-view was being challenged by their Son. There is no comment on how Joseph dealt with this, but Mary, His mother, pondered these things in her heart. Jesus submitted to their will and understanding and lived in obedience. As He did, He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. That’s good advice for us all and a good word for your children!

Have you ever been misunderstood by those in your family? Have you ever been the cause of distress for your parents? How did they and you end up handling this?

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for causing distress in the lives of those in authority over me. Help me to continue to grow in wisdom and favor with You and those around me. I treasure in my heart Your Word and ponder Your instructions to obey in faith. Amen.

Tags : , , , , , ,

Choosing what’s best!

Posted in Gospels - March 16, 2016 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for March 16th:  Luke 10

Key scriptures for over-comers:  Luke 10:39-42  “”. . He (Jesus) came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me.!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 Life in our culture is busy!  There are many distractions that cause distress and worry.  In the church, we go from one event to another and the pastor is always preparing for something urgent and for the upcoming ‘urgents’ that will soon be upon him.  In the home and family, families are busy and meals come three times a day and cleaning is never done permanently!  In business, deadlines and pressure push management and workers with lots of distractions.  Jesus is aware of the ‘urgent’ we all face daily!

This short story and Jesus’ response to Martha should speak to all of us about our choices.  We may still have to do those ‘urgent’ things, but the better choice is to sit for a time at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him.  Listening to His wisdom puts the ‘urgent’ in its proper order and enables us to rest in His provision.

Observation for over-comers:  To avoid being over-come by distractions and distress in a busy world, take time each day to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen!  “Listen to my instruction and be wise: do not ignore it.  Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”  (Proverbs 8:33-34)

Tags : , , , , , , ,