The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 19 March 2020 – TOPIC: COSTLY ASSUMPTION

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TOPIC: COSTLY ASSUMPTION

READ: LUKE 2:41-52 (NKJV)41. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.42. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.43. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know [it;]44. but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among [their] relatives and acquaintances.45. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.46. Now so it was [that] after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.47. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.48. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”49. And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”50. But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.51. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.*THE MESSAGE:*The Feast of Passover was instituted by God as a lasting Ordinance to remind the Israelites that they escaped the plague of the death of their first born through the blood of a lamb (Exodus 12). In Israel, it became an Annual Feast celebrated by the Jews up till today. It was that feast that Joseph and his family went to attend in Jerusalem as recorded in our text today. However, in the midst of the festivity, Joseph and Mary did not know that Jesus was no longer with them when they were departing from the feast. They travelled some distance without Him.This is instructive and challenging: That in the midst of religious activities and ceremonies, Jesus may be lacking. Divine presence in our lives is not what we assume; we need to be sure and insist, like Moses, that if God is not with us, we shall not move an inch on the journey of life (Exodus 33:15). We need to always engage divine presence in all our ways. So, let us not, like Joseph and Mary, leave Jesus behind in the midst of the ‘crowd.’*PRAYER:* Lord, please help me to always walk with You