Even before Christ’s first miracle at the wedding feast (John 2:1-12) He was setting His future and our future in order for Our Heavenly Father.  He was given a goal and purpose for His Life here on earth----we as children of God are also given a goal and purpose for our journey here on earth.  Christ’s ministry and our ministry are technically the same. “ Save the lost at any cost.”  Jesus completed His ministry when He said, “It is finished.”  We are still on our journey.

          Christ’s earthly parents, Joseph and Mary knew that goal and purpose for Jesus’ life, but getting caught up in the world can blind us for a season “if” we let it.  Then we have to be gently rebuked back to our purpose in our walk here for God’s Glory and our salvation. Let’s look at the Word and see the first sign of the Grace of Christ’s Ministry.

          In Luke the second chapter it tells of Christ’s Birth (the Christmas story), when Christ was circumcised at eight days and given His name, Jesus, and His purification according to the Law of Moses (Exodus 13:2,12,15).  It also tells of a man named Simon who the Holy Spirit was upon and prophesied over Jesus telling all about His Ministry (vs. 28-32).  Simon also said to Mary:

Luke 2: 34-35

Vs. 34 Then Simon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against

Vs. 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

          Anna, a prophetess, also gave testimony of Christ when she saw Jesus, “and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (vs.38). The Holy Family then returned to Nazareth. “And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon Him.” (vs.40).

          Now, years later, when Jesus was 12 years old they went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. (vs. 41-50-read these verses for yourself so you can understand the anguish his parents were going to have to go through when He was put on the cross to die for all of our sins.)  The gist of it was that Jesus was left behind when His family started home from the Passover Feast.  They sought Him for 3 days before they found Him in the temple with the teachers listening to them and asking questions.

Luke 2:48

Vs. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us?  Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

          Now, Church, listen to how Jesus answered them;

Vs. 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you sought Me?  Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

          Let’s stop here and examine what He just said.  Jesus was talking about His goal and purpose for His life, “ The Grace of His Ministry.”  Since we are God’s Children shouldn’t we have the same goals and purpose?  I like the way Oswald Chambers commented on that verse:

“Think about your own circumstances.  Is the grace of His ministering life being worked out through you in your home, your business, and in your circle of friends?  You must allow Him to have His way with you, staying in perfect oneness with Him. And the way He worked and lived among people while here on earth must be the way He works and lives “IN” you/us.”

          Another scripture comes to mind in regard to that thought also.

Galatians 2:20

Vs. 20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

          Church, grace is unmerited favor.  We don’t deserve God’s grace or mercy but our God is faithful and just to keep His promises to His Children until we are with Him forever.  The grace throughout Christ’s ministry should be an example to us all on how we need to live our lives here on earth.  Remember, we only have a season here and I believe that season is just about up for us and the earth. 

          Saints, we need to stand fast in unity for our future in God’s Family.  Also remember the Holy Spirit “IN” us is our guide and defender of God’s Word through us.  We are “spirit” after all church, so we need to put our “spirit-man” first and set the demanding flesh under the Blood of Christ to get through these days.

          We can do this Saints.  Take one step at a time and God will take His 3 steps for us.  Always allowing our hearts and minds to remember to:

 

TRUST AND BELIEVE GOD                                    

 

*Oswald Chambers- My Utmost for His Highest-Scripture and Devotional Calendar 2013

*The Holy Bible, New international Version, NIV, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

*All scriptures are from: New King James version of Prophecy Study Bible, General editor- John C. Hagee unless otherwise stated.