Anglican Daily Fountain 31st December 2023 (Devotional Today)

TOPIC: COSTLY ASSUMPTIONS

TEXT: Luke 2:41-52(KJV)
2:41. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
2:42. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
2:43. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
2:44. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

2:45. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
2:46. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
2:47. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

2:48. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
2:49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
2:50. And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
2:51. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
2:52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Anglican Daily Fountain 31st December 2023 STUDY:

It is always better to be sure than to assume! We can learn a lot of lessons from Mary and Joseph in today’s passage. After the festival, they set out on the long journey back home without so much as making sure that Jesus was indeed with them in the journey. They only found out much later, after three whole days, that Jesus was missing from their lives. Their assumption cost them many days of delay, energy and resources as they went back looking for Jesus. Many in the Church today are in the same way living on assumptions. Many of us assume that because we are gifted and talented, we have Jesus.

Are you making such assumption because you can pray in tongues, or because you were born and raised as a Christian, or because you have been serving in Church leadership for many years? Assuming that you have Jesus in your life and vocation based only on any of these credentials, is indeed a costly assumption. Not all who profess the name of Jesus will enter the Kingdom of God, but only those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ and also spend their lives doing His will (see Matthew 7:21-23). As we enter the New Year tomorrow, do not just assume that you have Jesus. Make sure His presence is with you!

PRAYER: Lord, please enable me to know Your will and to do it always.

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