Luke 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.
How is it that the most significant moment in Mary and Joseph’s life faded into the abyss of a busy day? The “company” was certainly a group of friends and possibly other family members all making their way back home after being in Jerusalem for one of the three important feasts. The moment was over and the journey back home was filled with fellowship and conversation, all the while Jesus remained in the Temple. They left Him behind.
There are a few words found in the above text depicting the position of us all: “supposing him (Jesus) to have been in the company…” It was assumed, decided, even concluded that Jesus was with them, though no one saw Him. Mary and Joseph just took it for granted that He would follow them; never thinking that it was the other way around. They just supposed. They were nonchalant in their journey without ever knowing where He was or where He might have gone.
To make matters worse, they had walked a day’s journey, i.e., all day. The entirety of the day was void of the incarnate God. Emmanuel “God is with us” was not with them. The promised One of whom the angels sang just a handful of years before had been left behind by the very people who experienced the miracle of His birth.
In good conscience we cannot condemn Mary and Joseph for we too have our own issues to address. We are filled with His Spirit; washed in His blood, but we make the same assumption: “Jesus will follow me and I can access Him at any time.” I submit that the American believer is often oblivious to His deity and lacks the attention that should be given to His movement. It even pains me to hear such comments from people who use Him as a “fix-it” God or some problem solver when they lack the piety and reverence toward His Holy nature.
It might be that all of us need to return to the position of seeking the Lord; keeping our eyes on where He is leading and then following His voice, wherever that may be. Our position should be in pursuit of the Lord, His perfect Will, and then to be diminished in our own eyes. If all of our prayers are for needs, then where is our thanksgiving and praise? When do we pursue Him? The Lord desires us! He loves us! We must rearrange our thinking and make Him the Lord of our praise and not just the Lord of our wants.
I urge you to pause. Take note of Jesus. Find Him and search for Him. The beauty and wonder are so much greater when you put aside the cares of this life and seek Him with your whole heart.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole