LEFT BEHIND

After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there.  Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Luke 2:43-46(NLT)

Have you ever wondered as a parent how is it possible that Joseph and Mary left Jesus behind?  After all they were entrusted to raise and look after the Son of God. They of all the couples living on the earth at that time were chosen by God for a reason.  The Bible calls Joseph a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) and Mary was called highly favored one and blessed among women (Luke 1:28).

There was a time in my life as we raised our daughters where I did wonder about this scripture; thinking how is it possible that they lost track of Jesus and He was left behind.

There was a season when Dan and I drove to church in separate cars because of the different responsibilities of serving at church and the time frames involved.  Our daughters would sometimes ride to church with one of us then ride home with the other parent.  After one of our daughters was left behind twice at church we had to make a rule that was unbreakable.  Whoever you rode to church with – you will ride home with and no exception to the rule.  It was a 15 minute drive home from church and a 15 minute drive back and this was before cell phones so thank God for a very patient and understanding Sunday school teacher.

Before this issue of Jesus being left behind the Bible tells us in Luke 2:39-40(NLT), When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.  There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. 

Notice, Joseph and Mary fulfilled the requirement of the law of the Lord, they had lived their lives holy before the Lord and raised Jesus according to the Word.

We are given a promise in Psalms 112; if we live “rightly” it will carry promise for our children.

I encourage you to read this passage slowly and mediate on the message of what our responsibility is and if we live accordingly, what the outcome will be.

Psalms 112:1-10(NLT)
    Praise the LORD!   How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealth, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously      and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.  They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

And here is another promise we can count on:

Psalms 92:13-15(NLT)
    For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
    They will declare, “The LORD is just!      He is my rock!     There is no evil in him!”

Joseph and Mary are great example of Godly parents for the Bible says:

Luke 2:46-52(NLT)
Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 
His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 
“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 
But they didn’t understand what he meant. 
Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. 
Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. 

If by accident one of your children were “left behind”, what would they be found doing?