Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2018 May 9

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 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. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:41-49)

Today’s Morsel:  My daughter tells me that when they go somewhere as a family, they always do a headcount before they leave to ensure everyone is present.  They want to make sure that everyone is all present and accounted for.  That’s military lingo for know where your troops are.  Mary and Joseph went up to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.  When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and Mary knew not of it.  They didn’t take inventory to ensure they had everyone.  They just assumed that He was in the crowd with everyone else.  Can you imagine the fear in Mary’s heart of losing Jesus?  Can you imagine trying to explain to Jesus how she left Him?  Paul told the church at Corinth: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:5)?  Is He missing from your life?  Not being able to handle that situation may mean He’s missing.  Do a headcount before you start out on your day's journey to ensure you have Jesus with you.  

  

Sing:  Just to be close to You, just to be close to You, just to be close to You, is my desire!  Just to be close to You, just to be close to You, just to be close to You, is my desire!

Thought For Today:  Make sure Jesus is always onboard before you depart.