by Raquel Rodriguez
“So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 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.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.” (Luke 2:45-50)
Mary was troubled, anguished, anxious and desperate. Imagine with me, God had chosen her, favored her, entrusted her and supernaturally equipped her to raise Jesus Christ the Messiah. Here we find her in a very vulnerable state. What thoughts and questions must have crossed her mind: “I have failed God. Was God wrong in choosing me as His Mother? I am responsible for the lost Messiah. How could I have been so irresponsible? Why did I let Jesus out of my sight? Where is my son?” Joseph and Mary relentlessly searched for Jesus until He was found. If you haven’t witnessed one of these moments, let me put it to you in these terms, the grieving parent experiences three stages of emotions: fear, relief and retribution.
We all have experienced some sort of trial, and like Mary we become troubled, anguished, anxious and desperate. We experience emotions of fear, the relief of God’s rescue and at times retribution takes over us. Like Mary, we ask God the following question, “Why have You done this to me?” And when we get an answer, we are left dumbfounded, not understanding the reply from Heaven. You are not alone: Mary felt that way, Joseph felt that way and I feel that way at times too. I am glad that the God made sure that verse 50 was written in Luke 1.
We are free to ask Jesus any question. He is faithful to always answer us. His reply may be immediate, while other times He may take much longer to respond. His answer may be a yes, no or simply wait. His answers could make sense to us or they may not. It may be that He shares information with you that we will only comprehend days, months, or years after they were told you.
Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And His mother stored all these things in her heart. (Luke 1:51)
Among the various Bible translations available to us today they all say that Mary stored, she treasured, and kept all these things in her heart. I absolutely love that though Mary might not have fully understood all the things Jesus said, she valued every word so much so that she hid them in her heart. I encourage you, whether it is an answer God gives you or a scripture in His Word, treasure it as Mary did; even the answers that you may not understand at the moment.
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
“I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162)
How do you treasure God’s Word?
