Light of the WorldНамуна

Remember in yesterday’s passage, Jesus was presented at the Temple, where he received a special blessing from Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before meeting the promised Messiah!

Today’s reading, though brief, is significant. First, we read that “they performed everything according to the Law of the Lord.” This “everything” refers to Joseph and Mary bringing Jesus to the Temple for circumcision on the eighth day, Mary’s post-labor purification, and, ironically, the offer of a substitutionary sacrifice to redeem their first-born son.

Jesus was then blessed and prophesied over, and the family returned home. Jesus was just eight days old! It wasn’t time, and wouldn’t be for decades, for his ministry to begin, his Kingdom to come, and his eventual substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of many that would be made. For now, it was time to return home.

And when he returned home, what happened to him? The Word says that He “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him.” Sometimes the Lord leads some of us to faraway places, into unusual circumstances, or through difficult times. And other times, He leads us home.

Question:
Where do you sense the Lord leading you today?

Application:
Whether you’re a parent leading little ones to God, a young adult discovering God’s next step for you, or a retiree seeking a new way to serve God in your community, let Him lead you where you are today. Give Him room to grow stronger in you, even if you are simply at home, allowing Him to fill you with His wisdom, favor, and blessing.