Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Oklahoma MTC
"Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
In the English literature, the
verb ‘must’ expresses necessity or insistence and, as a noun, it means
something that should not be overlooked or missed. The verb ‘must’ in the Greek
translation depicts ‘necessity’ brought on by circumstances or by the conduct
of others toward us. Thus we see that the Savior, even as a child, expressing
the necessity to be in His Father’s House. It is also admirable to note that
the flow of responsibility in this incident is from the child to the parents.
Renowned
theologian Jürgen Moltmann observes—between the statements ‘born of the virgin
Mary’ and ‘suffered under Pontius Pilate’, there is only a comma! The parents,
with a true sense of commitment never overlooked or missed a circumstance to
give priority that was due to God. Every circumstance, even during crucial
times, became an opportunity to reflect God’s goodness.
The
word, ‘MUST’ can be expanded to bring out the matters that parents should not
miss out when rearing and educating their children:
M: Made
from Above: Parents should always remember that their child is
wonderfully and fearfully made (Ps 139: 14). Being given a child reveals the
flow of unmerited blessings from God. This pre-knowledge is important prior to
anything in their journey of shaping their child from nothing to something.
U:
Understanding of the Above: In the scripture portion, Jesus as
a child is not being compelled to spiritual activities. The story reveals that
He willfully sits with people, and even not minding any generation gaps. In
Colossians 3:1, we read that ‘you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts
on things above’.
S: Signs of the Above and Below: The incident of Jesus
listening to the teachers, asking questions and answering them is a necessity
then and now. Parents should create situations to explore and expose spiritual
truths to ensure clarity amongst children, and thus dispel any confusion. If
not done, this may lead to children making corrupt choices. Jesus points to the
temple as His Father’s house that should be set apart with the true purpose of
nourishing God’s values.
T: Truth of the Above Embraced: Jesus remains in the temple to
embrace the truthful realities with immense necessity and interest, even when
He is removed from his parents for days. Whether attached or detached, Jesus
increases in wisdom and stature as He continues to establish the values of the
Kingdom amongst the people.
In present times, the concept of God is seen as an option, and the
opportunity in knowing Him is a choice with compromises rather chance with
commitment. Education is seen as a platform for selfish attainment and
fulfillment, and many a time it misses out the imparting of the knowledge
needed to propagate and maintain a better world. In this context, as an
individual who is part of a family and the church, one must seriously ponder
upon the ‘the necessities of Above and Below”
PRAYER
Lord, .. Help us to be
Christ-like at all times; seeing each one with Your eyes and valuing them with
Your heart of love (Rupert Kaye)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
MUST: Molded Under
Savior’s Truth