God's ImitatorsSample

In your Father's house Some people think church is only for grown-ups. There's a story from when Jesus was about your age. After His family went all the way to Jerusalem for church, everyone started walking the many miles back home. Jesus got lost. After Mary and Joseph searched for three days, they finally found Him back in church! When they yelled at him (like most parents do when they are worried), Jesus simply told them, "Didn't you realize that I had to be in My Father's house?" (Luke 2:49). A 12-year-old kid who willingly goes to church would surprise most people. But it's the first place I'd look for you. You get put down; your parents punish you; you feel fat or skinny or tall or short, unworthy, or unlovable; your grades aren't so hot; or you missed the serve and your team lost. On Sundays you get to your Father's house--the church--to hear how valuable and precious you are. You hear that God cares so much more about who you are than what you do. You hear that, even when you mess up, God still says, "I love you"--whether you've had a good day or not. If you were lost, your Father's house is the first place I'd look for you.