The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 19 March 2019 – Job Complains To God
TOPIC: St. Joseph of Nazareth
READ: Luke 2:41-52 King James Version (KJV)
- His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
- And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
- 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;
- but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
- So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
- 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.
- And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
- 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.”
- And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
- But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
- 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.
- And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
THE MESSAGE:
St. Joseph of Nazareth is being remembered today in our Communion because of the role he played in the life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was the foster father of Jesus Christ here on earth and God used him to raise His Son to the age when He could become independent to carry out His ministry.
Parents have the responsibility to bring up their children in the way of the Lord so that they will fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Our text shows how Joseph and Mary his wife took Jesus at the age twelve to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover.
By so doing, he had started early to indoctrinate into the growing child, the beliefs of his people.
Joseph and Mary while going back to their home assumed that Jesus was with them when he stayed back in the temple. This was a costly assumption. Christians must not assume that their children are with them in godly matters. Regular supervision is necessary, in terms of beliefs, holiness, mode of dressing, etc., so that we can raise a generation that is both obedient and would obtain favour from God and man, like Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the grace to be the Joseph of our time, Amen.
