Good morning, friends! Welcome to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen from Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa, and I’m so glad you’re joining me today. As we approach the end of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our spiritual journey and consider where we are meant to be.
Have you ever experienced the sheer panic of losing something precious? Perhaps it was your car keys, your wallet, or—heaven forbid—your child. I remember a family trip to a Renaissance fair about 20 years ago. Amidst the excitement and chaos, we lost track of my son. You can imagine the fear and anxiety that gripped us. We searched frantically, our hearts pounding, until we finally found him standing near a magic show, completely unfazed, as if he had no idea we were in a state of panic.
This experience gives us a glimpse into what Mary and Joseph must have felt when they realized Jesus was not with them. They weren’t just searching for a missing child; they were looking for the Son of God. Imagine their relief and astonishment when they found Him in the temple, calmly engaging with the teachers. Jesus wasn’t lost; He was exactly where He was supposed to be—in His Father’s house.
Let’s read from Luke 2:41-46:
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. When the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
Friends, Jesus wasn’t lost. He was exactly where He was supposed to be. This moment is profound. It prompts us to ask ourselves: Are we where we’re supposed to be? Are we making time to be in God’s presence? Are we prioritizing time in His Word and His house?
It’s so easy to drift, isn’t it? Life gets overwhelmingly busy. Work demands our attention, family schedules fill up, and before we know it, our time with God becomes an afterthought. But Jesus exemplifies the importance of prioritizing time with the Father. Despite the bustling festival around Him, He remained focused on being in the temple. He was intentional about being where He needed to be.
Let me share a story that illustrates this beautifully. There was a woman named Sarah who experienced a devastating loss when her husband passed away unexpectedly. The grief was overwhelming, and she felt completely adrift, unsure of how to move forward. Every day seemed like a struggle, and the future felt uncertain and bleak.
But instead of pulling away from God, Sarah made a conscious decision to lean in closer. She made it a point to attend church every Sunday, even when it was hard to get out of bed. She joined a Bible study group, where she found a supportive community that prayed with her and encouraged her. Sarah also committed to daily prayer, pouring out her heart to God and seeking His comfort and guidance.
Over time, God began to restore her hope. She started to feel a sense of peace that she hadn’t felt since her husband’s passing. The support from her church community and the time spent in God’s presence brought her solace and strength. Sarah found that she was exactly where she needed to be—in her Father’s house, surrounded by His love and the love of her church family.
This journey wasn’t easy, and there were still difficult days. But Sarah’s intentional decision to stay close to God made all the difference. She discovered that even in the midst of her pain, God was with her, guiding her steps and healing her heart.
Friends, are we intentional about being in God’s presence? Do we carve out time for Him, especially when life gets tough? Or do we allow the busyness and distractions of life to pull us away from the One who holds our future? Let’s take a moment to reflect on this and make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring we are always where we’re supposed to be—in His presence.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you next time. Until then, may you find peace and purpose in God’s presence.
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