Episode 13 — Luke 2:39–50 — From Frantic to Amazed

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is amazing to be here with you today. It is January 13.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is glad that you are here. He longs to spend time with you. He wants to be in your presence. He loves you.
Take a moment to pause, quiet your mind, and turn your attention toward Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. Repeat this three times.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Oh my soul.”
As you exhale, pray: “Praise the Lord.”
Do this three times, then sit in silence for a few moments.

Read
When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.
There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. 43 After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.
45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”
49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”* 50 But they didn’t understand what he meant.  (Luke 2:39–50, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
As we read the passage again, close your eyes and step into the scene.
Pay attention to Jesus as the events unfold.

Meditate
Two words jumped off the page at me in this reading: frantic and amazed.
Jesus’ parents were frantic because they couldn’t find Him.
Those who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.
Frantic often comes from hurry and worry.
Amazement comes from slowness and listening.
When we let go of hurry and worry and embrace slowness and listening, we become amazed at who God is, what He does, and what He says. 
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Where do you find yourself today — frantic or amazed?

Respond
Jesus, I want to lay down frantic and be amazed by You.
Speak to my heart, please.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Spiritual Awareness 
God is with us at all times. His Spirit lives inside those who have given their lives to Jesus.
Yet so often, we live unaware of His presence.
This habit is about increasing our awareness of God’s presence by inviting Him into a task before you begin.
Examples:
Before your morning commute, ask God to ride along with you. As you sense His presence, begin a conversation.
Before starting a task at work, ask God to be there with you — and pay attention to His presence as you work.
The goal: Be aware of God’s presence throughout your day.

That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.