Abundant LifeSample

Father’s House

This fascinating story from Jesus’ childhood only shows up in the gospel of Luke. Jesus is twelve years old, and He goes missing. His parents have left Jerusalem and are heading back home to Nazareth. They’ve traveled for a day before they realize Jesus isn’t with their traveling company. (I’m not sure how or why it took them this long to notice. How do you lose the son of God?) Needless to say, they travel back, anxiously searching for their son. They find Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers and answering questions. Everyone listening to Him is amazed at His understanding. His parents are astonished as well, but they’re also a little frustrated. ‘Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you,’ his mother says. His response is so profound: ‘But why did you need to search? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ Other translations say, ‘about my father’s business.’

Jesus is pointing out to His earthly parents that, sure, He was missing. But He wasn’t lost. He was right where He needed to be. He’s implying that they should’ve known where He would be. (‘If you can’t find Me, then of course I’m going to be in My Father’s house – the temple.’)

What does abundant life look like for you in this season? Where are you drawn to the purposes and work of God in the world around you? Do you love being in the Father’s house? How cool would it be if, whenever someone was looking for you, you could answer, ‘But why did you need to search? I’m doing my Father’s business.’ As you push yourself through today’s workout, let your mind dwell on what it might look like for you to do your Father’s business, and to be found in His house.

First the Word – now the Workout:

2 rounds // 49 barbell bench press

49 DB bent over row (each arm)

49 sit ups