Finding Jesus
You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of Joy. - Psalm 63:5
A new year is a great time to reflect and dream of what is to come. We often say "the best is yet to come," but what does that truly mean? We live in a world that says bigger is better and more is the dream; however, God’s Kingdom is nothing like the world. We keep searching for the next best thing, but what if the one thing that truly satisfies, with a little determination and diligence, was very easy to find?
READ: Luke 2:41-52
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus knew where He belonged, close to His Father; and Mary pondered it in her heart.
I recently taught this scripture reference in our Middle School chapel at our school. Beforehand, I asked the teachers to have their students search for a Jesus doll in their classroom, five minutes before coming to Chapel. The teachers can confirm that they turned the classroom upside down trying to find the doll figure but couldn’t find it. They searched and searched, not knowing that a few moments later, there he was. Jesus, a doll, sitting in the sanctuary, visible, and easy to find.
Just as Mary searched for Jesus and found Him physically in the temple, we can find Jesus spiritually.
If we make Jesus our priority by His Word, in our worship, and through prayer, we will surely find Him. Once we invite His Kingdom into every aspect of our lives, the best is surely yet to come. He truly satisfies.
Today, If you can, listen and worship to the song “Nothing Else" by Cody Carnes. What a great start to your day telling Jesus you just want HIM and nothing else! Journal what He speaks to you and cherish those words in your heart. His words are worth holding onto, and His promises are yes and amen.
PRAYER: Jesus, Come! Holy Spirit, we want more of You. Only You can satisfy our soul!
A new year is a great time to reflect and dream of what is to come. We often say "the best is yet to come," but what does that truly mean? We live in a world that says bigger is better and more is the dream; however, God’s Kingdom is nothing like the world. We keep searching for the next best thing, but what if the one thing that truly satisfies, with a little determination and diligence, was very easy to find?
READ: Luke 2:41-52
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Jesus knew where He belonged, close to His Father; and Mary pondered it in her heart.
I recently taught this scripture reference in our Middle School chapel at our school. Beforehand, I asked the teachers to have their students search for a Jesus doll in their classroom, five minutes before coming to Chapel. The teachers can confirm that they turned the classroom upside down trying to find the doll figure but couldn’t find it. They searched and searched, not knowing that a few moments later, there he was. Jesus, a doll, sitting in the sanctuary, visible, and easy to find.
Just as Mary searched for Jesus and found Him physically in the temple, we can find Jesus spiritually.
If we make Jesus our priority by His Word, in our worship, and through prayer, we will surely find Him. Once we invite His Kingdom into every aspect of our lives, the best is surely yet to come. He truly satisfies.
Today, If you can, listen and worship to the song “Nothing Else" by Cody Carnes. What a great start to your day telling Jesus you just want HIM and nothing else! Journal what He speaks to you and cherish those words in your heart. His words are worth holding onto, and His promises are yes and amen.
PRAYER: Jesus, Come! Holy Spirit, we want more of You. Only You can satisfy our soul!
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments